Cessna 150 destroyed following engine performance loss and stall near Leiria

Casualties unknown • Leiria, PT

A training flight at Leiria aerodrome resulted in the destruction of a Cessna 150 after a partial power loss led to a stall and collision with a powerline.

What happened

On June 6, 2024, a flight training mission was underway at the José Ferrinho aerodrome (LPJF) in Leiria, Portugal. The flight involved a pilot undergoing proficiency training accompanied by an instructor. After a successful initial touch-and-go maneuver, the aircraft began a second circuit. During the climb, at approximately 150 feet AGL, the crew identified a reduction in engine performance, characterized by decreasing indicated airspeed.

Unable to maintain the climb, the instructor took control and declared an emergency. The crew attempted a 180-degree turn to land on runway 20; however, due to a tailwind component, the aircraft overflew the runway. The instructor then initiated a right-hand turn to attempt a landing on runway 02. During this second attempt, the aircraft was in a low mechanical energy state. While executing a tight left-hand turn to return to the runway, the aircraft entered a stall, causing the right wing to drop and the wingtip to strike a low-voltage powerline.

The impact with the cable caused the aircraft to strike a section of the N109 road before rebounding onto a parallel gravel road, where it came to rest in a thicket. The aircraft was destroyed in the sequence of collisions. The instructor sustained serious injuries, while the student pilot suffered minor injuries. Both occupants were wearing seatbelts, which helped mitigate further injuries during the secondary impacts.

The investigation

The GPIAAF investigation examined the aircraft configuration, which was found with flaps set between 5 and 10 degrees, carburetor heat on, throttle at idle, and a rich mixture. The investigation also reviewed the flight training records of the Aero Clube de Leiria (ACL) and the qualifications of the crew. The student pilot held a valid PPL(A) with approximately 60 flight hours on type, while the instructor held a CPL(A) with over 1,100 total hours, including significant instructional experience. There was no evidence of medical impairment for either pilot.

Findings

  • The aircraft experienced a partial power loss during the climb phase.
  • The crew's attempt to return to the runway in a low-energy state led to a tight turn that induced an aerodynamic stall.
  • The aircraft's right wingtip struck a low-voltage powerline during the stall.
  • The aircraft was configured with flaps at 5-10 degrees and carburetor heat applied at the time of the accident.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by a loss of control during an attempt to return to the runway following a partial engine power loss, which led to an aerodynamic stall and subsequent collision with a powerline.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2024-06-06 Reims Cessna F150H accident near Leiria, PT?

A training flight at Leiria aerodrome resulted in the destruction of a Cessna 150 after a partial power loss led to a stall and collision with a powerline.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2024-06-06 involved a Reims Cessna F150H, registration D-EAYV, at Leiria, PT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by a loss of control during an attempt to return to the runway following a partial engine power loss, which led to an aerodynamic stall and subsequent collision with a powerline.

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