Accident Overview
On May 27, 2018, at approximately 1815 central daylight time, a Cessna 150L airplane, registered as N19366, was substantially damaged when it struck power lines and terrain following an attempted go-around at Sky Soaring Airport (55LL) in Union, Illinois. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated by Sky Soaring Inc. under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a glider tow flight.
Flight History
The flight originated from 55LL around 1800. The pilot had completed five glider tow flights earlier in the afternoon, took a break near 1700, and then performed two additional tows before the accident flight. The initial six tows were uneventful. The accident flight reached 2,000 feet, where the glider released without incident.
Pilot's Account
During the return for landing, the pilot recalled that "something was wrong." Despite ample daylight, he reported that it seemed to "get dark." The airplane was high on approach, so he angled away from the runway to lose altitude. Continuing inbound, he was unsure of the airspeed or altitude as the airplane crossed the threshold. He noted possible residual engine power but did not verify the throttle was at idle. The airplane was heading west into the sun, and he aimed for an opening in the trees off the runway end. He did not see the power lines until it was too late, recalling a "blue flash." His next memory was being treated by paramedics after the accident.
The pilot mentioned that he did not have an "aviation related thought" as the airplane "bounced down the field." He speculated that heat exhaustion or dehydration might have been responsible, adding that he had not experienced such an event—where things seemed to "get dark"—before or since. He perceived no issues with the airplane during the flight.
Witness Statement
A witness reported that the pilot was returning from a glider tow flight. The pilot executed a go-around and was climbing out when the airplane impacted power lines approximately 600 feet from the end of the runway.
Aircraft Examination
The airplane came to rest upright in an agricultural field about 200 feet from the power lines. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine found no anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction.
Pilot Medical Information
A review of the pilot's medical records indicated he had reported several conditions to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), including non-obstructive coronary artery disease, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation. After additional review, the FAA issued a special issuance medical certificate requiring distant and near vision corrective lenses, but that certificate was not valid for any class after June 30, 2013. The pilot subsequently completed BasicMed certification on August 24, 2017, which was valid at the time of the accident.
During postaccident treatment for multiple traumatic injuries, the pilot developed episodes of recurrent atrial fibrillation associated with low blood pressure. He was unaware of palpitations during these episodes but did "feel bad," attributed to low blood pressure.