Accident Details
On July 20, 2011, at approximately 1430 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150M (registration N8576U) was substantially damaged following a loss of engine power and collision with terrain at Addington Field Airport (EKX) in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by Pro Air Enterprises, Inc. under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a banner tow flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident and was destined for Louisville, Kentucky (LOU).
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, while attempting to pick up a banner, the engine lost power and the airplane stalled. He made a partial recovery from the stall; however, the left wing struck the ground and the airplane collided with a ditch.
Investigation
An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. The left and right wings and the fuselage sustained structural damage. Evidence of spilled fuel was present at the accident site. Fuel was found in the carburetor and gascolator. All spark plugs appeared normal. No visible obstructions in the intake or exhaust were noted except for dirt from the ground impact. Compression was observed on all cylinders when the crankshaft was rotated. Both magnetos produced spark to all leads when rotated. The inspector did not find evidence of an anomaly or failure that would explain the loss of engine power.