Incident Overview
On October 5, 2011, at 1055 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150L, registration N11280, sustained structural damage after colliding with the airport perimeter fence at Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) in Punta Gorda, Florida. The aircraft was on approach to land when the engine partially lost power.
Flight Details
The airplane was registered to a private owner and operated as a personal flight under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The private pilot was not injured. The flight originated from Winter Haven's Gilbert Airport (GIF) at 1000.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot, he departed GIF for a cross-country flight to PGD. Upon arrival, he entered a downwind leg for runway 09. While turning onto final approach, the engine experienced a partial loss of power. The airplane landed short of the runway and, during the landing roll, collided with the airport perimeter fence.
Post-Accident Examination
An Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane and found that the left and right main fuel caps did not match and that the fuel cap seals were deteriorated. Fuel samples were taken from the tanks; from the left tank, approximately half a jar of rust and water was recovered. During an interview, the pilot stated that he had found water in the fuel during his preflight inspection.
A cursory engine examination and run-up were conducted. The engine operated successfully but could only be advanced to 1,500 rpm due to a bent propeller resulting from the accident. No other anomalies were noted with the engine.