What happened
On June 1, 2025, a Cessna 150J, registration N150FJ, was engaged in a personal flight under Part 91 regulations. The flight originated from Shields Airport (AL55) in Lillian, Alabama, with the intention of landing at Jeremiah Denton Airport (4R9) on Dauphin Island for lunch.
During the initial climb phase, the engine began running roughly, and the engine RPM decreased to approximately 1,400 RPM. The pilot-rated passenger, a flight instructor who was not operating the aircraft at the time, took control of the plane. The crew applied carburetor heat, but it did not improve engine performance.
The crew initially attempted to land at Perdido Winds Airpark (AL0 $ ext{08}$) in Elberta, Alabama. However, due to being too high on the approach, they decided to attempt a forced landing in a field located to the west. While turning base for the approach to the field, the engine suffered a total loss of power. Although the crew observed a barbed wire fence running through the field, they proceeded with the landing. Upon touchdown, the aircraft struck the fence, causing the nose landing gear to collapse. The aircraft sustained no injuries to the pilot or the passenger, but the airplane suffered substantial damage to the engine mount and firewall.