FTW95FA102

The airplane impacted the ground in a nose-low attitude after an in-flight loss of control while maneuvering at low altitude following a low-level pass over a private airstrip. One witness described seeing the airplane pull up vertically to about 250-300 feet above ground level before pivoting about its center of gravity and descending vertically. Other witnesses described a similar maneuver. The pilot-flying at the time of the accident could not be determined. Examination of the airplane and the engine did not reveal any structural or mechanical anomalies. Impact was near vertical and the wreckage was found in the initial ground scar.

History of flight

On January 27, 1995, approximately 1730 central standard time, a Cessna 150, N1493Q, was destroyed while maneuvering at a private airstrip near Needville, Texas. The two commercial pilots on board were killed. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal cross country flight.

Witnesses reported observing the airplane in straight and level flight, heading north down the runway, at an estimated altitude of 100 to 150 feet above ground level (AGL). One witness reported that as the airplane approached the departure end of the runway, it commenced a "vertical pull up to an altitude of about 250 to 300 feet AGL, pivoted about the CG, and went in vertically." In a separate statement, the same witness observed the airplane commence a "steep pull-up" to about 300 feet, perform a "wing-over" turn to the left, and descend "vertically" into the ground with "full power on impact." Two additional witnesses, statements enclosed, had similar recollections of the event.

Personnel information

According to the FAA, both occupants of the airplane were Italian citizens. Mr. Erzetti was visiting the United States for the purpose of recurrent flying for proficiency and currency. Both held commercial pilot certificates from Italy, as well as the United States. The airplane was rented by Mr. Cerutti, who occupied the right seat. Mr Erzetti occupied the left seat; however, it was not possible to determine which pilot was flying at the time of the accident. Therefore, which pilot was serving as pilot-in-command (PIC) is unknown. For the purpose of flight experience documentation only, Mr. Erzetti and Mr. Cerutti are listed in this report as first pilot and second pilot respectively.

Aircraft information

The rental aircraft was based at Brownsville International Airport. The operator was provided an NTSB Form 6120.1/2 (Pilot/Operator Report); however, repeated attempts to retrieve the form were not successful.

A review of the airframe and engine records did not reveal any anomalies or uncorrected maintenance defects prior to the flight.

Wreckage and impact information

The aircraft came to rest in the initial ground scar on a measured heading of 080 degrees magnetic, approximately 530 feet northwest of the departure end of runway 35. The engine was buried approximately 14 inches in muddy ground approximately 45 degrees nose down. Examination of the airplane and engine at the accident site did not disclose any structural or mechanical anomalies. The leading edges of both wings were crushed across the entire span, with more damage to the left wing than to the right wing. Due to postimpact compression damage, only partial flight control continuity could be established.

The propeller remained attached to the crankshaft. One blade was found twisted and bent aft approximately 90 degrees at about 12 inches from the hub. Chordwise scratches were noted on both blades. Engine continuity was established from the crank through the accessory gears and the magnetos sparked at all terminals when rotated by hand.

Medical and pathological information

Autopsies were performed on both occupants by Dr. Tommy J. Brown, D.O., of the Office of the Medical Examiner of Harris County in Houston, Texas. Toxicological tests for both occupants were negative.

Additional data

The wreckage was released to the owner's representative at the conclusion of the field investigation.