Primary finding
Probable cause
A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The flight was departing for a ferry flight to an airport 25 miles away and just after takeoff the engine stopped. The pilot said that the engine originally started without hesitation but that during the run-up there was an indication of a fouled plug in the engine. The pilot spent several minutes clearing up the fouled plug and then took off. When the engine stopped, the pilot manipulated the throttle, causing a momentary return of power, but then the engine stopped again so the pilot made a forced landing straight ahead, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane. A Federal Aviation Inspector who inspected the engine found that the magnetos would spark and that there was compression in all cylinders. The inspector also disassembled the carburetor and found no anomalies with the carburetor. The engine had a current annual inspection and had 1800 hours since the last major overhaul. The pilot submitted a written statement but not an aircraft accident report.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 13, 2008, approximately 1930 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150; N5471Q, operated and piloted by a commercial pilot crashed shortly after takeoff from Summerville Airport, Summerville, South Carolina. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and the flight was was being conducted as a ferry flight under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot, the only occupant, was not injured during the accident. The local flight was originating for the purpose of ferrying the aircraft about 25 miles to Mt Pleasant Regional Airport-Faison Field (KLRO). The pilot said the engine originally started without hesitation and he taxied to runway 24 for takeoff. Upon reaching the runway, the run up indicated there was a fouled plug in the engine. Several minutes were spent clearing up the fouled plug and the pilot proceeded to takeoff. He reported he had 2475 rpm on takeoff, but, passing though about 60 feet above the ground after takeoff, the engine suddenly stopped producing power. Manipulating the throttle caused a momentary return of power, but, the engine stopped again so the pilot made a forced landing straight ahead. A Federal Aviation Inspector inspected the engine and found the magnetos would spark and there was compression in all cylinders. The inspector also disassembled the carburetor and found no anomalies with the carburetor. The pilot submitted a written statement but not an aircraft accident report. The airplane and engine both had current annual inspections. The engine had 1800 hours since major overhaul.