Accident Overview
On August 28, 2014, at 2303 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150L (registration N1741Q) operated by a private individual was substantially damaged during a forced landing after a total loss of engine power near Creedmoor, North Carolina. The pilot, an airline transport pilot, was seriously injured. The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 at night in visual meteorological conditions. The flight departed Bowman Field (LOU), Louisville, Kentucky, at 1811 and was destined for Elizabeth City Regional Airport (ECG), Elizabeth City, North Carolina. No flight plan was filed.
Flight History
According to the pilot's written statement, he completed flight planning in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulation minimum fuel requirements and completely fueled the airplane before departure. While enroute, he climbed above 12,500 feet mean sea level to remain clear of visible moisture. He later considered diverting to Rocky Mount Regional Airport (RWI) but elected to divert to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) due to physiological needs. About 13 miles from RDU, as the pilot reduced engine power, the engine began to run rough. The pilot thought the roughness was due to a magneto or valve issue because each fuel gauge indicated more than 1/4 full. The engine then lost all power when the airplane was 7 to 10 miles from RDU. The pilot attempted to restart the engine with no success and performed a landing to a dark area. The airplane impacted trees, and although dizzy from the impact, the pilot was able to egress. He further stated that law enforcement located him about 2 hours later and someone remarked that the airplane was leaking fuel.
ATC communications showed the pilot initially requested flight following to RWI at 13,500 feet. At 1814, he changed his destination to ECG. He queried controllers about winds at various altitudes and requested climbs to 15,500 and then 17,500 feet, stating he had supplemental oxygen. At 2030, a controller asked why he was trying to climb to 17,500 feet in a Cessna 150; the pilot replied he had oxygen and the altitude would result in good fuel burn and endurance. At 2152, the pilot canceled flight following and reported diverting to Danville Regional Airport (DAN) for fuel, but radar data revealed he did not land there. At 2256, he contacted RDU Approach Control, reported a magneto problem, and requested an immediate turn to the airport. At 2259, he reported the engine had quit. The controller provided a vector toward a lake, but the airplane impacted trees in a cul-de-sac about 3 miles east of the lake.
Post-Accident Examination
The airplane came to rest in the front yard of a residence, partially suspended in a tree. Radar data indicated a total flight time of 4 hours 52 minutes, with the airplane above 12,500 feet for about 2 hours 40 minutes, reaching a maximum altitude of 16,000 feet. North Carolina Highway Patrol troopers noted a strong odor of alcohol on the pilot's breath, red and glassy eyes, and obtained a breath sample that recorded .16 on a portable breathalyzer.
An FAA inspector examined the wreckage: the fuel tanks were not compromised, there was no odor of fuel at the accident site, no fuel in the right wing tank, a trace amount in the left wing tank, and only 2 to 3 ounces of fuel in the fuel sump. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions were observed. The inspector did not find any supplemental oxygen onboard. The wreckage was recovered for further examination. When fuel was added to the carburetor, the engine started after several attempts but was shut down after 5 to 10 seconds due to vibration from impact damage. The airframe and fuel gauges were tested with no anomalies noted. The Cessna 150 Owner's Manual lists a service ceiling of 12,600 feet and, at 12,500 feet with lean mixture and 2,500 rpm, an endurance of 5.8 hours, but these calculations do not include fuel consumed for taxi, takeoff, climb, and continued climb attempts to 17,500 feet.