Accident Overview
On October 31, 2021, about 0937 central daylight time, a Cessna 150L airplane, N6713G, was substantially damaged in an accident near Forrest City, Arkansas. The pilot was fatally injured, and the passenger sustained minor injuries. The flight was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
Sequence of Events
According to the passenger, the preflight inspection revealed no issues, and the airplane was running well. During landing on runway 36, the pilot pushed the yoke forward to lower the nose landing gear. After touchdown, the airplane veered left and exited the runway surface. The pilot asked the passenger if he was on the rudder pedals, to which the passenger replied that he was not. The airplane then struck a fence and came to rest upright. The passenger observed the pilot outside the airplane near the right main landing gear. The passenger stated that the pilot never liked wearing his seat restraints.
The passenger, seated in the left seat, was wearing the installed 3-point restraint system. The pilot, seated in the right seat, was not wearing the installed restraint system. He was ejected from the airplane and was fatally injured.
Wheel mark impressions were visible in the grass starting next to the runway. The main wheel marks continued through the grass for about 650 ft to the accident site. The grass area alongside the runway was about 120 ft wide between the runway and the airport perimeter fence. The wheel marks gradually curved left for about 100 ft, then curved back right, nearly parallel to the fence. About 400 ft from where the airplane left the runway, the nose wheel mark was no longer visible, and a series of deep gouges were observed. The tail tie-down hook was packed with mud and grass.
Postaccident Examination
Flight control continuity was established from the ailerons to the control column, and elevator control continuity from the forward spar to the control surfaces. Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Examination of the main landing gear and associated brake assemblies did not reveal pre-impact anomalies.
However, postaccident examination revealed the airplane was in poor mechanical condition. The aft elevator bellcrank was severely corroded and exhibited a rough or ratchet-type movement. An insect nest was found inside the separated aileron piece. The rudder stop-bolts and associated hardware appeared original size and were severely corroded. The elevator trim actuator chain remained engaged but appeared dry and corroded. No fresh grease was observed on chains, pulleys, or hinges. The airplane paint was faded and peeling. Bird feces covered the airframe and engine, and insect nests were found in the cabin, wings, and tail cone. All exposed hardware was severely corroded.
Neither the pilot logbooks nor the airplane maintenance records were available for review during the investigation.
Pilot Information
The pilot’s most recent FAA medical examination was on February 17, 1993. At that time, the pilot reported civil flight experience of 130 total hours.
Toxicology Findings
An autopsy performed by the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory Medical Examiner determined the cause of death as multiple injuries and the manner as accident. The FAA Forensic Sciences laboratory detected diphenhydramine at 269 ng/mL in heart blood and also in urine. Diphenhydramine is a sedating antihistamine, widely available over the counter, that can cause cognitive and psychomotor slowing and drowsiness. The FAA advises pilots not to fly within 60 hours of using diphenhydramine.