CHI99FA221

History of flight

On July 11, 1999, at 1505 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150, N7983E, piloted by a private pilot, was destroyed when it impacted the ground and subsequently caught fire following a loss of control in flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed in the area of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot was fatally injured. The flight departed Harrisville, Michigan, exact time unknown.

Witnesses

One witness reported "On July11, Sunday while sailing my sailboat on Hubbard Lake I observed a small plane flying along the west shoreline, at about tree top altitude. The plane flew over a number of boats as if to buzz them. At this time he was at approx 50 ft. over the lake, he then banked to the east and attempted to gain altitude. I then noticed the plane stall and fall to the south and proceed into a dive and crashed."

Another witness reported "I was 50 yards from impact (in lake), plane came from the south 100 feet high, over the water 200 ft from shore. He then went straight up 200 ft from the ground. He then turned left and went straight down nose first. Engine was running."

Another witness reported "Pilot was hotdogging out in the front over water he would come too low - and to close - seen many times...."

These witness statements and additional witness statements gathered are attached to this factual report.

Personnel information

The pilot held a Private Pilot Certificate with single engine land rating. He had about 250 hours total flight time and 12 hours in the last 90 days. He had a current biennial flight review.

Aircraft information

The aircraft was 1960 manufactured Cessna 150 serial number 17783. The aircraft was equipped with a 100 horsepower Continental O-200-A engine, serial number 62597-5-A. The aircraft had a total time of about 3400 hours. The aircraft and engine had an annual inspection on October 1, 1998.

Meteorological information

The reported weather at Alpena, Michigan, about 030 degrees, 16 miles, from Hubbard Lake, Michigan, was clear skies and visibility of 10 miles.

Wreckage and impact information

The aircraft crashed near the west shore of Hubbard Lake. Damage to the aircraft was in the area of the nose and cabin area and the leading edge of the left wing. The empennage was broken aft of the trailing edge of the wing. The left wing from the tank area into the cabin area was burned. On scene inspection of the aircraft flight controls and engine disclosed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical anomalies.

Medical and patological information

An autopsy was performed by the Forensic Pathology Service of Sparrow Hospital on July 12, 1999. Toxicology performed by the FAA, Civil Aeromedical Institute, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma found no ethanol and no drugs.

Additional information

The wreckage was released to J.B. Auto and Marine on July 13, 1999.