Casualties unknown

2007-06-28: Cessna 150 (N7842E) — Lancaster, PA

Lancaster, PA, US

On June 28, 2007, a Cessna 150 (registration N7842E) was involved in an aviation accident near Lancaster, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to conduct the flight while impaired by alcohol, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and substantial damage to the airplane during the subsequent forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A Cessna 150 pilot conducted an emergency landing in a cornfield following a total loss of engine power. Fuel quantity was below the manufacturer's minimum. The pilot had an expired medical certificate, lacked a flight review, and had an expired ELT battery. Breathalyzer test showed elevated alcohol level.

Accident

On an unspecified date at approximately 1518 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150 made an off-airport emergency landing in a cornfield after a total loss of engine power. No flight plan was filed, and visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.

Investigation

According to local law enforcement, the pilot reported departing Smoketown Airport (S37), Smoketown, Pennsylvania, at approximately 1345. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector on scene noted that the remaining fuel quantity was less than the manufacturer's published minimum fuel required for engine operation in flight. No fuel tank damage or leaks were observed.

Pilot Information

Further inspection revealed that the pilot's third-class medical certificate had expired in May 2003. Additionally, the pilot did not meet the flight review currency requirements, and the emergency locator transmitter (ELT) battery was beyond its expiration date.

Toxicology

Field sobriety tests administered by a local law enforcement officer were failed. A breathalyzer test indicated an alcohol concentration of 0.153 percent blood alcohol. Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) 91.17(a) sets a maximum blood alcohol concentration of less than 0.04 percent for pilots.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070909X01343. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.