What happened
On September 26, 2025, at approximately 0915 mountain standard time, a Cessna 150F, registration N8171S, was involved in an accident near Lake Havasu City, Arizona. The aircraft was being operated as a Part 91 positioning flight, relocating the recently purchased airplane from Marana Regional Airport (AVQ) to Boulder City Municipal Airport (BVU) with a planned fuel stop at Lake Havasu City Airport (HII).
The flight instructor reported that the fuel tanks had been topped off the previous night. A preflight inspection, including visual fuel checks and sumping the tanks, had been completed prior to departure with no abnormalities noted.
While flying approximately 15 miles southeast of HII, the engine suffered a partial loss of power. After the crew performed emergency checklists, they were unable to restore engine power. Unable to maintain altitude, the instructor attempted a forced landing. While a highway was initially considered, the instructor diverted to a nearby open area used for remote control airplane operations due to heavy traffic on the highway. During the approach to the field, the aircraft overflew the intended landing area, struck a dirt berm, and nosed over.
The accident resulted in 2 minor injuries to the flight instructor and student pilot. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.