Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 150L near Hillsboro Beach, FL — 2009-11-29

Final reportERA10LA084
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Date
2009-11-29
Location
Hillsboro Beach, FL, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 150L
Registration
N19318
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the engine began to run rough during climb on the local flight. The pilot applied carburetor heat, but no improvement in engine performance was observed. The engine stopped running, and the pilot ditched the airplane in the ocean. The pilot exited the airplane and it sank after about three to five minutes. The wreckage was estimated to be in approximately 327 feet of water, and would not be recovered, according to the FAA and the owner’s insurance company representative. The FAA reported that all airworthiness directives had been complied with and the airplane had a current annual inspection.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight after engine began to run rough.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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