Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot diverted his attention and failed to maintain clearance from obstacles.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during a low approach to a closed military outlying field, the airplane struck a tree with the wing. His attention was diverted by the passenger who had become airsick. Following the collision, the airplane returned to the departure airfield and landed without further incident.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 2, 1995, at 1345 central daylight time, a Cessna 150L, N28445, collided with a tree during a low approach into the OLF Camp Davis Navy airfield, near Holly Ridge, North Carolina. There were no injuries to the private pilot nor his passenger, and the aircraft was substantially damaged. The aircraft was operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan was filed for the local, personal flight. The flight originated at Jacksonville, North Carolina at 1230 on the same day. The pilot reported that while making approaches at OLF Camp Davis, a closed outlying Navy airfield, his passenger became air sick and began to throw up out the window. The pilot stated that while he was distracted with the passenger's condition, the airplane clipped a tree with the wing.The pilot flew directly back to the Jacksonville Airport and landed the aircraft. There was substantial structural damage to the aircraft wing. A report of the accident on NTSB Form 6120.1/2 was not provided by the pilot. -