Accident Summary
On April 24, 2011, at 0945 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 150H (registration N23295) experienced a loss of engine power while on final approach to Martin Field Airport (S95) in College Place, Washington. The airplane was operated under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight by the pilot/owner, who was the sole occupant. The pilot was not injured. The airplane landed short of the runway on an adjacent road and struck a sign with its right wing, resulting in substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local area flight, which had departed at 0930. No flight plan was filed.
Pilot Narrative
According to the pilot, he was conducting touch-and-go takeoffs and landings. During the accident flight, as he turned the airplane onto the base leg of the approach, the engine rpm dropped. He applied carburetor heat and checked the fuel selector, then attempted to restart the engine. He turned the airplane toward the runway and tried to restart again. Realizing he would not reach the runway, he chose to land on an adjacent road instead of a soft, recently plowed field nearby. After landing, during the rollout, the right wing struck the top of a "watch for low-flying aircraft" sign. The pilot stated that after the airplane came to a stop, he attempted to restart the engine. On the second attempt, he primed the engine and was able to start it. He then taxied the airplane back to his tie-down spot at the airport.
Weather Conditions
A weather reporting station approximately 6 nautical miles from the accident site reported the temperature at 48 degrees Fahrenheit and the dew point at 30 degrees Fahrenheit at the time of the accident. These conditions were conducive to the formation of serious carburetor icing at glide power settings.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination and flow bench test of the airplane's carburetor revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.