Cessna 150M N9251U

Summary

On 21 July 1998 at about 20:00 local time, a Cessna 150M registered N9251U, operated by Langa Air Academy, was involved in an accident near Litchfield, Illinois, United States. One person was on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

21 July 1998 at 20:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Litchfield, Illinois, United States

Nearest airport

Litchfield Municipal (3LF)

Coordinates

39.1702, -89.6499

Aircraft

Cessna 150M

Registration

N9251U

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Langa Air Academy

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Instructional

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Peoria → Alton

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CHI98LA267

Nobody was injured.

Loss of engine power due to an open exhaust valve and low cylinder compression. A related factor was the tailwind.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the engine began to vibrate and run very rough at an altitude of 4500' MSL. He noticed an immediate loss of power and was unable to maintain altitude. The pilot then cycled the magnetos, increased the mixture control to full rich, confirmed that the fuel selector was in the 'ON' position and applied carburetor heat, all of which had no effect. Being uncertain as to the cause of the power loss and concerned that the engine would quit operating, the pilot declared a mayday and requested vectors. At the time the pilot made visual contact with the airport, the aircraft was at an altitude of 1100' MSL. The pilot chose to land on runway 09 even though there would be a quartering tailwind present upon landing. During the landing rollout, the pilot felt the tail swing to the left at which time the airplane departed the runway toward right, into the grass and impacted a concrete culvert, separated the right main wheel and slid to a stop. The pilot stated that landing was made with full flaps. Examination of the engine revealed that the number three cylinder had a compression of 35/80 and the number four exhaust valve was stuck in the full open position.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.