Incident Overview
On February 14, 2015, at approximately 1020 mountain standard time, a Cessna 150M, registration N827CH, was substantially damaged following a loss of engine power. The aircraft performed a forced landing after impacting terrain near Layton, Utah. The private pilot was not injured; the sole passenger sustained serious injuries. The airplane was registered to Aero Services LLC, Centerville, Utah. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal cross-country flight, conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. No flight plan was filed. The flight had departed Logan-Cache Airport (LGU), Logan, Utah, around 0940, with the planned destination being Sky Park Airport (BTF), Bountiful, Utah.
Pilot Report
According to a statement submitted to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that about 15 miles north of BTF, the engine rpm began dropping from 2,400 rpm and airspeed decreased from 80 mph. The pilot initiated emergency procedures, including enriching the mixture, applying carburetor heat, and pumping the throttle lever, but was unable to restore engine power. The pilot then elected to make an emergency landing on a golf course. During the approach and landing, the pilot intentionally struck a tree with the airplane's right wing to reduce speed. The aircraft subsequently came to rest inverted in a sand trap on the golf course.
Owner Report
In a statement submitted to the NTSB, the owner of the airplane reported a voicemail left by the pilot. The pilot stated that before departure from LGU, he had dipped the fuel tanks, which indicated a total of 8 gallons of fuel for the flight. The pilot further stated that headwinds were present that day and that the fuel onboard was insufficient to reach the intended destination.
Examination Findings
Under the supervision of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aviation safety inspector, an examination of the airframe was performed by a Textron Aviation Senior Air Safety Investigator on February 17, 2015. The examination revealed no anomalies with the airframe, including the airplane's fuel system, that would have precluded normal operation.
On December 1, 2015, under FAA supervision, an engine examination was performed by a licensed FAA airframe and powerplant mechanic. The mechanic checked engine compression by turning the propeller by hand and verified valve train continuity, with no anomalies detected. The ignition system was inspected and tested; solid blue spark was observed on all eight ignition leads, and magneto timing was found to be within manufacturer specifications. All spark plugs were examined and appeared nearly new, with some normal carbon deposits below the electrodes but none across them. Examination of the carburetor revealed a clean finger screen with no debris, and the needle and seat were without faults. No accumulation of sediment or corrosion was found in the float bowl. An inspection of the oil filter showed no metal or abnormal indications. The mechanic reported no anomalies that would have precluded normal engine operation.