History of Flight
On July 17, 2018, about 1423 central daylight time, a Cessna 152 II, registration N24515, sustained substantial damage in an accident near Fort Rice, North Dakota. The commercial pilot sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 aerial photography flight.
The purpose of the flight was to take photographs of farms and ranches in Morton County, North Dakota. The pilot used a handheld digital camera and took photographs with the left window of the airplane opened. The pilot also used a kneeboard with a county map to locate target areas. To photograph targets, the pilot would set engine power between 1,800 and 2,200 rpm and fly at a 45° approach angle toward the target, positioning the camera forward of the wing strut to avoid including the strut or propeller in the photograph.
On the day of the accident, the pilot conducted a preflight at Mandan Municipal Airport (Y19), Mandan, North Dakota, and reported to a mechanic that he would return about lunchtime. The airplane departed about 0845 and returned before 1330, after which the mechanic refueled it. During payment, the mechanic observed the pilot "kept rubbing his eyes like he was tired" and suggested a nap, but the pilot replied he could not make money if he did not fly.
The accident flight departed about 1337. FAA surveillance data showed the airplane followed the Missouri River southeast toward Huff, North Dakota. South of Huff, it performed multiple turns at an average altitude of 2,500 ft msl before traveling east toward Fort Rice. The last data segment showed low-level turns over the Missouri River, mostly to the left. The last recorded data point indicated 1,700 ft msl and a groundspeed of 49 knots. About 1442, the Morton County Sheriff's Office received a witness report of the airplane in the Missouri River.
Personnel Information
The owner of the aerial photography company reported the accident flight occurred during the pilot's second season (May/early June to October) with the company. The pilot's wife noted no concerns about his sleep schedule or activities in the 72 hours before the accident.
Aircraft Information
The airplane's tachometer indicated about 4.5 hours of flight that day. Maintenance records showed no uncorrected mechanical discrepancies. The airplane was equipped with an Electronics International carburetor temperature system on the right side of the cockpit. The manufacturer's operating instructions describe that when "Carb. Temp." is selected, the carburetor temperature is monitored and an "Ice Zone" warning light activates at 39°F. Application of carburetor heat is recommended to bring temperature above 39°F. Below 10°F, the light turns off due to insufficient moisture for ice. The system provides visual alerts only, no aural alerts.
Per the Pilot's Operating Handbook, the flaps-up stall speed at 45° bank is 43 knots.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The airplane was discovered nose down with its empennage elevated in about 5 ft of water, about 75 ft west of a sandbar in the Missouri River. The front was oriented about 190°. Substantial damage to the fuselage and aft crushing to leading edges of both wings occurred. The propeller spinner was crushed aft with no evidence of rotation. One propeller blade was bent slightly aft. The carburetor heat was found in the off position (cockpit and engine). The carburetor temperature system was installed correctly, and its switch was in the "Carb Temp" position. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures were found.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy by the North Dakota Department of Health determined the pilot's cause of death as blunt chest injuries. Toxicology testing at the FAA Forensic Sciences Laboratory was negative for carbon monoxide, ethanol, and tested-for drugs.
Tests and Research
Images from the pilot's digital camera were extracted. Most showed farms and equipment at low angles. Between 1421:57 and 1423:12, seven river images were captured at high angles, nearly straight down. Metadata did not contain GPS data.