Fatal Stall Occurs During Low-Altitude Sightseeing Flight in British Columbia

Casualties unknown • CA

A Cessna 150 crashed into a house and the ground near Powell River, killing both occupants after an engine power loss led to an unrecoverable stall.

What happened

At approximately 20:30 Pacific daylight savings time, a Cessna 150 departed from Powell River Airport, British Columbia, for a local sightseeing mission. The pilot intended to fly over a residential area to perform a low-level maneuver for friends gathered at a nearby home. While flying at a low altitude above a housing subdivision, the pilot performed a wing rock and entered a steep left turn.

During the maneuver, witnesses observed the engine sound cease abruptly. Following a brief attempt to level the aircraft, the plane entered an aerodynamic stall. The aircraft then descended in a steep, nose-down attitude, striking a house and the ground. The crash resulted in two fatalities. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, though no fire occurred at the scene.

The investigation

Investigators examined the wreckage and the engine at a TSB facility. While the fuel delivery system's condition could not be fully verified due to impact damage, the engine showed no evidence of pre-existing mechanical failure. Analysis of the exhaust pipe indicated it was below operational temperatures at the time of the crash, and the tachometer suggested the engine RPM was between 300 and 1,000 at impact. This data, along with propeller damage patterns, supported the conclusion that the engine was not producing power during the final moments of flight.

Records confirmed the pilot was properly licensed and qualified, and the aircraft was maintained according to all regulations. The aircraft's weight and center of gravity were estimated to be within safe limits. Witnesses provided varying estimates of the aircraft's altitude, ranging from 80 to 200 feet.

Findings

  • The aircraft experienced a loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.
  • The pilot was operating the aircraft at an altitude of less than 1,000 feet over a built-up area, which is below the requirements of Air Regulation 534(2)(a).
  • The low altitude prevented the pilot from recovering from the aerodynamic stall that occurred while attempting to maintain flight following the power loss.

Probable cause

The loss of engine power at a low altitude left the pilot with insufficient height to recover from an aerodynamic stall.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-07-21 Powell River, British Columbia accident near CA?

A Cessna 150 crashed into a house and the ground near Powell River, killing both occupants after an engine power loss led to an unrecoverable stall.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-07-21 involved a Powell River, British Columbia, operated by Cessna 150, C-FLYU, at CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of engine power at a low altitude left the pilot with insufficient height to recover from an aerodynamic stall.

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