Accident Overview
On December 20, 2012, at approximately 1530 eastern standard time, a Cessna 150J, registration N50757, was substantially damaged following a runway overrun at Goose Creek Airport (28A) in Indian Trail, North Carolina. The airplane was operated by Bamert Aviation LLC under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an instructional flight. The flight had departed from 28A at 1400. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Pilot Accounts
According to the flight instructor, the airplane experienced an electrical power failure during the approach to land. Due to this failure, he was unable to fully extend the flaps and entered the traffic pattern with approximately 8 degrees of flaps deployed. He described the airplane as high and fast on short final, touching down approximately 300 to 400 feet from the departure end of the runway. After applying brakes, he could not stop the airplane; it overran the runway, went down an embankment, and collided with trees. The student pilot, aged 13, provided a statement consistent with the instructor's account.
A pilot-rated witness observed the event and stated that the pilot was high and fast on approach but did not attempt a go-around. The witness reported that the pilot nosed the airplane down approximately 400 feet from the departure end of the runway, causing the airplane to porpoise, and was unable to stop before the overrun.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the airplane by an Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the left and right wings were buckled. The inspector found no evidence of an electrical power failure. The battery was tested with a meter and held a charge. All flight controls exhibited continuity to their respective surfaces. When operated with battery power only, the flaps achieved full travel up and down. An inspection of the brakes showed they applied and released normally. No other anomalies were identified.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage, specifically buckled wings, as a result of the overrun and collision with trees.