Accident Details
On February 2, 2019, at about 1700 eastern standard time, a Cessna 150F, registration N6789F, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain near Knotts Island, North Carolina. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Flight History
The pilot reported that the flight was a post-maintenance test flight. Before departure, he reviewed the aircraft logbooks and conducted a preflight inspection. He stated that the airplane had approximately 22 gallons of usable fuel on board prior to takeoff. After departure, the pilot remained in the airport traffic pattern and performed several landings. He then departed the traffic pattern and flew 10 miles to the south, where he conducted maneuvers for about 30 minutes. Afterward, he turned east toward the Outer Banks Barrier Islands.
During the en route portion, the pilot experienced the instruments “turning off and on.” He made a turn back toward the departure airport, and shortly thereafter, the electrical system failed, followed by a total loss of engine power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine but was unsuccessful, and he executed a forced landing in a marsh. The pilot exited the airplane and contacted local authorities.
Maintenance and Operational Context
According to the operator, the pilot had been advised to remain in the traffic pattern of the local airport, considering the extent of recent maintenance. The mechanic who performed the maintenance observed the pilot conduct 30 minutes of engine runs, taxiing, and operational tests on the ground prior to the test flight. During the flight, the pilot performed a series of touch-and-go landings, short field landings, and low passes before departing the traffic pattern.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the airplane came to rest inverted, with the nose landing gear partially detached from the engine mount. The airplane was recovered, and flight control continuity was established. Examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have prevented normal operation. Approximately one cup of fuel was drained from the fuel system; the fuel was “yellowish” in color and showed no visible contamination. The fuel selector was found in the ON position. Both fuel caps were inspected, and their gaskets were intact. Both wing fuel tanks were empty of fuel, and no signs of fuel leakage were observed on the airframe or at the accident site.
A review of fueling records indicated that the airplane was fueled with 15.8 gallons of 100LL aviation fuel earlier on the day of the accident.