Accident Summary
On August 24, 2012, about 1030 central daylight time, a Cessna 150M airplane, registration N63672, impacted terrain during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Arrow Rock, Missouri. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, reported no injuries. The airplane sustained substantial fuselage damage. The aircraft was owned and operated by Dyer the Flyer Inc. under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight. Day visual flight rules (VFR) conditions prevailed, and no VFR flight plan was filed. The local flight originated from the Marshall Memorial Municipal Airport (MHL) near Marshall, Missouri, at approximately 0830.
Pilot and Operator Reports
The pilot and operator were provided accident reports to complete. The pilot's report was not returned with a flight history. The operator's report included a completed history. According to the operator, the pilot requested to rent the airplane for a local flight. When asked about duration, the pilot replied about an hour, his typical flight time. The pilot pre-flighted the aircraft, and both the pilot and operator checked fuel quantity, finding both tanks "a little" over half full. The pilot conducted three takeoffs and landings at MHL, then flew to Jesse Viertel Memorial Airport (VER) near Boonville, Missouri. On the return leg, the pilot performed a forced landing on a pasture. The operator reported that during the approach, the airplane stalled about 15 feet above the ground, causing the fuselage to tear open behind the rear window. The aircraft then traveled through a ravine, separating the nose landing gear. The Hobbs meter indicated 2 hours of elapsed time.
Fuel and ATC Information
The operator informed a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that the pilot stated he purchased fuel at VER. However, VER personnel had no record of a fuel purchase by the accident airplane. They recalled the airplane executing a touch-and-go landing but not stopping.
Wreckage Examination
An FAA inspector examined the wreckage at the scene. The aircraft rested slightly nose-low and left-wing-low. Fuel quantity was checked using a universal glass fuel level tester. Approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch of fuel was found at the leading edge of the left fuel tank, while the right tank contained no fuel. The fuel strainer at the bottom of the firewall was undamaged. When the nose was lifted and the strainer drain cable pulled, about two tablespoons of fuel were released.
Weather Conditions
At 1053, the recorded weather at Sedalia Regional Airport near Sedalia, Missouri, included: wind from 200 degrees at 9 knots gusting to 18 knots; visibility 10 statute miles; clear sky; temperature 32°C; dew point 12°C; altimeter 30.04 inches of mercury.