# NTSB MIA97LA225: Cessna 150, N3517J, Columbia, SC, August 2, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 2, 1997, 12:10 local (16:10 UTC) - Place: Columbia, SC - Coordinates: 33.990669, -80.999938 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.9907&lon=-80.9999&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 2 minor - Status: Completed, report February 2, 1998 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 38321 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA97LA225 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/38321/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA97LA225 ## Probable cause The improper rebuild/remanufacture of the fuel line (obstructed at both ends) that runs between the carburetor and sediment bowl by an unknown person. This resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, forced landing to non-suitable terrain, and an in-flight collision with a nonresidential building. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb - fuel system,line - improper - maintenance,rebuild/remanufacture - improper, unknown (cause) - fluid,fuel - starvation - Forced landing, descent - emergency - terrain condition - none suitable - In flight collision with object, descent - emergency - object - building(nonresidential) ## Analysis The student pilot was on initial takeoff climb at about 200 feet when the their was a reduction in engine power. The CFI took over the flight control, lowered the nose looking for a forced landing area. The airplane collided with furniture storage building, nosed over inverted, and a postcrash fire ensued. Examination of the airframe and flight control system revealed no evidence of a precrash mechanical failure or malfunction. Examination of the fuel system revealed a 6 inch fuel hose that runs between the carburetor and the sediment bowl was about 50 percent obstructed at both ends. ## Factual narrative On August 2, 1997, about 1210 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150, N3517J, registered to a private owner, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight, experienced a reduction in takeoff power on initial takeoff climb, and crashed during a landing in the vicinity of Columbia, South Carolina. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage and a postcrash fire ensued. The commercial pilot (certified flight instructor) and student pilot reported minor injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The flight instructor stated the student pilot made the takeoff from runway 31. Between 150 to 200 feet there was a reduction in engine power. He immediately checked the throttle full on, mixture full rich and carburetor heat off. About 3 seconds later he heard a sound similar to an engine backfire. He took over the flight controls, lowered the nose and looked for a forced landing area. He observed wires to the left and right and to his front. He lowered the nose, and went below the wires. The nose wheel collided with a furniture storage building, and the airplane nosed over inverted. He and the student pilot exited the airplane unassisted and a postcrash fire ensued. Examination of the airframe and flight controls revealed no evidence of a precrash mechanical failure or malfunction. The engine was mounted to the front of an aircraft tug. Fuel was added to the carburetor and power was applied to the engine starter motor. The engine rotated and began to run. Examination of the fuel system by the FAA revealed a 6-inch fuel hose that runs between the carburetor and the sediment bowl was about 50 percent obstructed at both ends. "The hose appeared to have been fabricated without the benefit of proper tools." ## Aircraft - Registration: [N3517J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3517J-1999-02-01), registration cancelled 1999-02-01, S/N 15061217 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 150 - Registry model: [Cessna 150E](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150e) (registry code 2071812) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 15061217 - Engines: Continental O-200A 100 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Fire: On-Ground - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Registered owner: Dorthy Martin - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, August 29, 1996, 17 hours before - Departed: CUB ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 35; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 2,240 total, 50 in this make and model, 2,210 as pilot in command ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 0° at 4 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 64 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: CAE ## 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 19970802020469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970802020469A), Aug 2, 1997: Cessna 150E, Columbia, SC, Substantial damage. Power loss forced landing. Hit building nosed over. Fuel hose from sump to carb restricted due improper fabrication (-23) after takeoff, the aircraft climbed… 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.