Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 150L near Gettysburg, PA — 2016-02-27

Final reportERA16LA116
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Date
2016-02-27
Location
Gettysburg, PA, USA
Airport
W05
Aircraft
CESSNA 150L
Registration
N976HB
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power during initial climb for undetermined reasons because examination of the engine and a successful test-run did not reveal any anomalies that would preclude normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the airplane had 7 gallons of fuel and that he had planned a short flight to a nearby airport to purchase more fuel. During initial climb, about 750 ft above ground level, the engine experienced a partial loss of power. The pilot applied carburetor heat, but the engine rpm remained at about 1,700, and he was unable to maintain the airplane's altitude. He then turned the airplane back toward the airport and realized that it was not going to reach the runway. The pilot subsequently attempted to land in a field ahead of the runway, but the airplane impacted and came to rest in trees just ahead of the field. The airplane's left wing fuel tank cap was found on the runway; it likely became separated during the takeoff roll. About 2 gallons of fuel was drained from each wing fuel tank after the accident, and more fuel may have leaked out after the accident due to the airplane's position; therefore, it is unlikely that fuel leaked out during the brief flight. The engine was subsequently successfully test-run on the airframe. Review of a carburetor icing chart revealed that the atmospheric conditions at the time of the accident were outside of the icing envelope. Thus, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff with insufficient fuel for the flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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