History of Flight
On June 8, 2016, about 1700 central daylight time, a Cessna 175, N6649E, departed Star City Municipal Airport (55M) for Mena Intermountain Municipal Airport (MEZ). About 15 to 20 minutes after takeoff, while at 4,800 feet, the engine began stalling, with RPM fluctuating. The pilot attempted to troubleshoot and turned back toward 55M. Unable to reach the airport, the pilot sought a dirt road for landing. After an initial overshoot, the pilot attempted to circle. At about 150 feet, the engine cut out completely. The airplane touched down in a field with clear-cut tree stumps and nosed over.
Personnel Information
The 66-year-old private pilot held an FAA private pilot certificate with single-engine land rating and a third-class medical certificate issued February 26, 2016, with corrective lenses requirement. He reported 147 total flight hours on his medical application. A flight review was completed on April 21, 2016.
Aircraft Information
N6649E, a Cessna 175 Skylark (serial number 56149), was a high-wing, fixed-gear, four-seat airplane powered by a Continental GO-300-A engine (175 hp) and a McCauley fixed-pitch propeller. Annual inspection was completed October 6, 2015, with 2,247.2 total airframe hours. Fueling records show 17 gallons of 100LL added at MEZ on June 6, 2016, and 14.5 gallons on June 7.
Meteorological Information
At 1653, weather at Grider Field Airport (near Pine Bluff) reported wind 110° at 6 knots, visibility 10 miles, clear skies, temperature 31°C, dew point 19°C. A carburetor icing probability chart placed the temperature/dew point within the serious icing-glide power envelope.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The airplane was found inverted in an open area with tree stumps. Ground scars indicated a landing gear tire mark next to a stump, with the wreckage 40 feet away. The fuel selector was in the BOTH position (later moved to OFF). Flight control continuity was established; flaps were at 10°. The carburetor was separated from its mount, with sooting discoloration. The left fuel tank contained about 11 gallons of fuel, the right less than a quart. The left tank vent crossover nipple was obstructed; the left fuel cap was unvented (the right cap was vented but blocked with debris). Engine examination found oil on dipstick, spark plugs "worn out normal/severe," and no internal anomalies. The engine was later test run successfully at the manufacturer.
Additional Information
No shoulder harnesses were installed in the airplane (not required at certification). An article about vapor lock in Cessna 172s was noted, but manufacturers reported no history of vapor lock issues in this model. Toxicological testing detected diphenhydramine in the pilot's urine and cavity blood.