Accident Details
On May 20, 2009, at approximately 2050 central daylight time, a Cessna 150L airplane, registration N17214, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The certified flight instructor and student pilot on board received minor injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 with a visual flight rules flight plan.
Flight History
The cross-country training flight originated from Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, en route to False River Regional Airport in New Roads, Louisiana. While about seven miles from the destination, the engine experienced a drop in revolutions per minute from 2,450 to 2,200 RPM. The student pilot suggested turning on carburetor heat, but the flight instructor elected not to, instead turning around to return to Baton Rouge, approximately 16 miles away. En route, engine performance continued to decay until the airplane could no longer maintain level flight. The airplane landed in a field roughly four miles from Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport. During the landing, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted.
Examination
Post-accident examination revealed impact damage to the vertical tail and both horizontal stabilizers, a cracked empennage, and the engine separated from the airframe. No evidence of mechanical engine failure was found, and fuel samples were free of contaminants.
Meteorological Conditions
Meteorological readings at Baton Rouge at 2053 indicated a temperature of 26 degrees Celsius and a dew point of 16 degrees Celsius. The carburetor icing chart from FAA Publication P-8740-24 showed the airplane operating in an area of potential light icing during glide or cruise power. The chart from DOT/FAA/CT-82/44 indicated the airplane was in an area of icing during glide and cruise power, with serious icing possible at glide power.