Accident Overview
On July 26, 2018, at approximately 1900 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150B (registration N1193Y) experienced a precautionary landing in Matthews, North Carolina, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft. The student pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a solo-instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The local flight originated at Wilgrove Air Park (8A6), Charlotte, North Carolina, at 1810.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that preflight procedures, taxi, takeoff, and departure were uneventful. The fuel tanks were full and no water contamination was observed. Approximately 40 minutes into the flight, while at an altitude of about 1,800 feet above mean sea level, the pilot noted that the airplane became "sluggish" and would not "maintain lift." Engine indications remained normal, with no sputtering or hesitation. The pilot applied carburetor heat, which caused a drop of about 300 rpm in engine speed. The airplane remained sluggish, so the pilot turned off the carburetor heat. Continuing to experience sluggish flight characteristics, the pilot decided to perform a precautionary landing in a grass field adjacent to a church. During the landing rollout, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted.
Postaccident Examination
In a postaccident interview and written statement, the pilot stated there were no mechanical issues with the airplane in flight and that the engine could produce 2,750 rpm at full power. The pilot noted that the high ambient temperature (100°F) and the full fuel tanks may have contributed to the airplane's sluggishness. An FAA inspector examined the wreckage and reported structural damage to the wings and fuselage. The inspection of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a student pilot certificate and reported 3.1 hours of dual instruction and 15 hours of solo flight time. The pilot did not have an instructor's endorsement to operate the airplane in solo flight. The FAA inspector reviewed the pilot's logbook and reported "severe training deficiencies."