# NTSB ERA10LA298: Cessna 150M, N2990V, Pahokee, FL, June 5, 2010 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: June 5, 2010, 16:00 local (20:00 UTC) - Place: Pahokee, FL - Coordinates: 26.794721, -80.695831 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.7947&lon=-80.6958&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Initial climb: Loss of engine power (partial)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report December 19, 2011 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 76223 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA10LA298 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/76223/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=76223 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA298 ## Probable cause A partial loss of power during takeoff for undetermined reasons. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Power plant](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057100): Aircraft › Aircraft power plant · Not specified (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 150M, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057100/cases.md?model=2071830), [All aircraft, 198 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057100/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Initial climb: Loss of engine power (partial)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 150M, 14 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md?model=2071830), [All aircraft, 1,858 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md) - [Emergency descent: Off-field or emergency landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440); cases with it: [Cessna 150M, 17 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md?model=2071830), [All aircraft, 3,365 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md) - [Landing-flare/touchdown: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Cessna 150M, 39 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=2071830), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The airplane was taxied to the runway where an engine run-up was performed. During the run-up, when checking the right magneto, the rpm drop was approximately 200 rpm. The mixture was leaned, the engine was run-up, and the rpm drop for the right magneto was less than 150 rpm. After taking off, about 150 feet above mean sea level, the engine began to lose power, although it was running smoothly. Carburetor heat was applied, and the engine rpm increased slightly, then decreased. The flight instructor then took control of the airplane and maneuvered the airplane toward a levee but was unable to reach it. Instead he landed in sugar cane at the edge of a ditch and the airplane's nose gear separated from its mounting location. The airplane then yawed to the right and the left wing tip contacted the ground and was substantially damaged. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of any preimpact failures or malfunctions. At the time of the accident the temperature and the dew point were not conducive to carburetor icing. ## Factual narrative HISTORY OF FLIGHT On June 5, 2010, about 1600 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150M, N2990V, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain during a forced landing, following a partial loss of engine power during initial climb after takeoff, in Pahokee, Florida. The certificated flight instructor and certificated private pilot were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight which departed from Palm Beach County Glades Airport (PHK), Pahokee, Florida, destined for Palm Beach County Park Airport (LNA), Lantana, Florida. No flight plan was filed for the instructional flight conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. According to the flight instructor, during the accident flight he was giving the private pilot a flight review. The flight had originated at LNA where the airplane was based. It departed between 1420 and 1430, and then stayed in the traffic pattern for one circuit, after which, the private pilot performed a landing before proceeding to PHK. After arrival at PHK the private pilot performed a "soft field landing" on runway 35. After the landing, the airplane was then taxied back to runway 35 and the private pilot performed a "short field takeoff", made one circuit of the traffic pattern, and performed another "soft field landing" on runway 35. The airplane was then taxied to the ramp and was refueled. A total of 15 gallons of 100LL fuel was added. After fueling, a preflight inspection of the airplane was performed, and the fuel tanks and fuel strainer were checked for contaminants. None were found. Afterwards, the airplane was taxied to the runway where an engine run-up was performed. During the run-up when checking the right magneto, the rpm drop was approximately 200 rpm. The mixture was leaned, the engine was run-up, and then afterward, the rpm drop for the right magneto was less than 150 rpm. The private pilot then performed a "short field takeoff" and applied full power and released the brakes. After taking off, at approximately 150 feet above mean sea level, the engine began to lose power. The engine was "running smoothly" but would not develop full power. Carburetor heat was applied, and the engine rpm increased slightly then decreased. The flight instructor then took control of the airplane and maneuvered the airplane towards a levee. He hoped to land on it but was unable to reach it. Instead he landed in sugar cane at the edge of a ditch. After making contact with the sugar cane, the airplane's nose gear separated from its mounting location. The airplane then yawed to the right, and the left wing tip made contact with the ground. PERSONNEL INFORMATION According to FAA and pilot records, the flight instructor held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine-land, multi-engine-land, and instrument airplane. His most recent application for a FAA first-class medical certificate was on February 10, 2010. He reported 587 total hours of flight experience.According to FAA records and pilot records, the private pilot held a private pilot certificate with a rating for airplane single-engine-land. His most recent application for a FAA third-class medical certificate was on March 4, 2009. He reported 225 total hours of flight experience. AIRCRAFT INFORMATION According to FAA records the airplane was manufactured in 1974. According to airplane maintenance records, the airplane's most recent annual inspection was completed on October 8, 2009. At the time of the inspection, it had accumulated 8000 total hours of operation. METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION A weather observation taken about 9 minutes after the accident, at Okeechobee County Airport (OBE), located approximately 30 nautical miles north of the accident site included; wind at 140 degrees at 7 knots, visibility 10 miles, scattered clouds at 4,400 feet, temperature 35 degrees C, Dew point 26 degrees C, and an altimeter setting of 29.98 inches of mercury. WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION Examination of the wreckage by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors revealed that the left wing and left horizontal stabilizer were substantially damaged. There was no evidence of any preimpact malfunctions or failures of the engine, or airplane. The engine's crankshaft could be rotated by hand, and continuity was established throughout the drive train. Both magnetos were functional, the spark plugs appeared normal, and fuel was present in the fuel system. TESTS AND RESEARCH At the time of the accident the temperature in the local area was 35 degrees C and the dew point was 26 degrees C. Application of these temperatures to a carburetor icing probability chart did not reveal any conclusive evidence that carburetor ice may have contributed to the accident. Post recovery examination of the carburetor by a FAA certificated airframe and powerplant mechanic also did not reveal any anomalies. The throttle control worked smoothly, the mixture functioned properly, and there was gas in the float bowl. Further examination also revealed that the float assembly and the needle valve functioned properly, there were no contaminants in the carburetor, and there were no leaks in the gaskets. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N2990V](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2990V-2017-03-06), registration cancelled 2017-03-06, S/N 15076344, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA 150M - Registry model: [Cessna 150M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150m) (registry code 2071830) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 15076344 - Airframe hours: 8000 - Engines: CONT MOTOR O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, October 8, 2009 - Departed: PHK, Pahokee, FL - Destination: LNA, Lantana, FL - Airport: PHK, Palm Beach County Glades, runway 35, 4,116 × 75 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Flight instructor; age 24; injuries: none; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, without waivers/limitations; last flight review April 14, 2009; seat: right; flight hours: 587 total, 5 in this make and model, 494 as pilot in command, 270 in the last 90 days, 40 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours - Pilot; age 64; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review August 7, 1992; seat: left; flight hours: 226 total, 8 in this make and model, 148 as pilot in command, 5 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 140° at 7 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 95 °F, dew point 79 °F - Altimeter: 29.97 inHg - Observed at: OBE, 30 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20100605035349A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20100605035349A), Jun 5, 2010: Cessna 150M, Pahokee, FL, Substantial damage. On June 05, 2010, about 1630 eastern standard time, a Cessna 150, (N2990V), registered to mikeric aviation departed from runway 35 at glades airport (phk) and… ## Docket (6 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on October 18, 2011, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=76223. 3.1 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 595 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40355399&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Witness Statements and Interview Summaries (item 2, .PDF, 224 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40355400&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Witness%20Statements%20and%20Interview%20Summaries-Redacted.PDF - Reports from Local Agencies (Palm Beach County Department of Airports) (item 3, .PDF, 83 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40355401&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Reports%20from%20Local%20Agencies%20(Palm%20Beach%20County%20Department%20of%20Airports)-Redacted.PDF - Post Recovery Examination (item 4, .PDF, 22 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40355402&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Post%20Recovery%20Examination-Redacted.PDF - Weather Reports and Records (KOBE Metars) (item 5, .PDF, 71 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40355403&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Weather%20Reports%20and%20Records%20(KOBE%20Metars)-Master.PDF - Photographs of Airplane (As Provided By FAA) (item 6, .PDF, 2.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40355404&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photographs%20of%20Airplane%20(As%20Provided%20By%20FAA)-Master.PDF From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.