Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 150M near Pahokee, FL — 2010-06-05

Final reportERA10LA298
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Date
2010-06-05
Location
Pahokee, FL, USA
Airport
PHK
Aircraft
CESSNA 150M
Registration
N2990V
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A partial loss of power during takeoff for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The airplane was taxied to the runway where an engine run-up was performed. During the run-up, when checking the right magneto, the rpm drop was approximately 200 rpm. The mixture was leaned, the engine was run-up, and the rpm drop for the right magneto was less than 150 rpm. After taking off, about 150 feet above mean sea level, the engine began to lose power, although it was running smoothly. Carburetor heat was applied, and the engine rpm increased slightly, then decreased. The flight instructor then took control of the airplane and maneuvered the airplane toward a levee but was unable to reach it. Instead he landed in sugar cane at the edge of a ditch and the airplane's nose gear separated from its mounting location. The airplane then yawed to the right and the left wing tip contacted the ground and was substantially damaged. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of any preimpact failures or malfunctions. At the time of the accident the temperature and the dew point were not conducive to carburetor icing.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Performing a more thorough preflight engine check could have identified issues.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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