On October 29, 2006, a Cessna 150H (registration N23175) was involved in an aviation accident near Monroe City, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot not maintaining clearance from the tree during climb. Factors were the tree and the student pilot's lack of total experience. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a simulated forced landing exercise, a student pilot struck trees and terrain, resulting in substantial aircraft damage and minor injuries to the student and passenger. The passenger was not a rated pilot, in violation of regulations.
Accident Details
The airplane sustained substantial damage upon impact with trees and terrain during a climb. The student pilot and a passenger sustained minor injuries. The student pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane in reference to the flight.
Pilot Statement
The student pilot stated, "Decided to due a simulated force landing on ultra light field, got [too] low to climb out, hit top of trees."
Regulatory Context
The passenger was not a rated pilot. Federal Aviation Regulation 61.89 General limitations states, in part, "(a) A student pilot may not act as pilot in command of an aircraft: (1) That is carrying a passenger."