Accident
On September 28, 2008, at approximately 1310 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150D (registration N4477U) collided with trees while attempting a forced landing near Falmouth, Kentucky. The airplane had departed from Gene Snyder Airport (K62) in Falmouth just minutes earlier. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight with no flight plan filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time.
Pilot Actions
According to the pilot, shortly after takeoff the engine suddenly ran rough for a few seconds and then stopped. The pilot verified the mixture was rich and the fuel selector was on, and manipulated the throttle. Almost immediately, the stall warning horn activated. He initiated a slow left descent toward a field, maneuvering the airplane toward the tops of nearby trees. The airplane came to rest on the ground near the trees, approximately one mile from the departure airport.
Aircraft Examination
Initial examination revealed the airplane came to rest in a nose-down attitude in a stand of trees, damaging the wings, cockpit, engine, and empennage. No evidence of fuel odor or fuel spillage was found at the scene. About 4 ounces of fuel was removed from the gascolator and sump drain, and about one ounce of a liquid (not blue in color) was removed from a fuel line. Two witnesses reported that a substantial amount of fuel spilled from the left wing when it was inverted during recovery. Examination of the propeller showed one blade bent aft and the other straight, with no rotational scoring signatures on the blade surfaces.
Fuel Records and Pilot Interview
Fuel records indicated that on the day before the accident, the airplane had between one-quarter and one-half tank of fuel, and eight gallons (four gallons per wing) were added just before a 45-minute flight by the accident pilot on September 27, 2008. On the accident day, the pilot stated he visually checked the fuel tanks and gauges, which showed about one-half tank in each wing.
Engine and Airframe Inspection
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the engine and airframe and found no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions.
Performance Data
According to the Cessna 1964 Model 150 owner's manual, cruise performance with a lean mixture at 2,500 feet and 2,700 RPM results in fuel consumption of 7.2 gallons per hour. This data does not account for takeoff and climb to cruise power.