FTW02LA090

The private pilot was back taxiing on the runway for takeoff when he became incapacitated and lost control of the airplane. The airplane departed the left side of the runway at a 20 angle, proceeded past the end of the runway, and down an embankment (approximately 600 feet). The airplane flipped over and came to rest inverted. Subsequently, the pilot underwent medical treatment and was diagnosed as having had a stroke.

On March 6, 2002, at 1330 central standard time, a Cessna 150 single-engine airplane, N51060, registered to and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage while taxiing for takeoff at the Melbourne Municipal-John E. Miller Field Airport, Melbourne, Arkansas. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant of the airplane, sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) and a witness, the pilot was back taxiing on runway 03 for a runway 21 departure. Prior to reaching the end the runway, the pilot became incapacitated. The airplane veered to the left and exited the runway at a 20 degree angle. The airplane continued past the end of the runway and down an embankment (approximately 600 feet), before flipping over and coming to rest in an inverted position. Subsequently, the pilot underwent medical treatment and was diagnosed as having had a stroke.

An FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, reported that the nose gear was bent aft, one propeller blade was bent, the rudder substained structural damage, and the left wing tip was damaged.