What happened
On March 14, 2012, at approximately 1725 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 150L, registration N18677, crashed into a tree about 2.5 miles northwest of Goble, Oregon. The flight, which was a dual instructional flight under 14 CFR Part 91, departed Pearson Airport in Vancouver, Washington, at approximately 1620. No flight plan had been filed for the flight.
Radar data tracked the aircraft flying north, arriving at Scappoze Airport at 1634, before being seen departing Scappoose at 1649. The aircraft was later tracked heading toward the accident site, where it was seen at an altitude of approximately 1,800 feet mean sea level, descending to 1,500 feet, before disappearing from radar. The aircraft's last radar contact occurred at 1725:44, about 0.75 miles north of the crash site.
At the time of the accident, the area was experiencing instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) characterized by light rain, fog, and overcast ceilings. Local witnesses and security camera footage confirmed thick fog covering the ridge, which limited horizontal visibility to approximately 0.25 miles.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and the engine, which had undergone a major overhaul only 16 days prior to the accident. The right wing of the aircraft was sheared off upon impact with a 100-foot tree. The engine, a Continental Motors O-200-A, was examined for mechanical failures. Post-accident analysis of the engine, including the carburetor, vacuum pump, and ignition system, revealed no abnormalities or malfunctions that would have prevented normal operation.
Toxicological examinations of the occupants were negative for alcohol and drugs. Autopsies determined the cause of death for the student pilot was blunt force head injuries, and the cause of death for the flight instructor was blunt force head and chest injuries. The manner of death for both was listed as accidental.