Primary finding
Probable cause
The loss of engine power due to a stuck exhaust valve. The lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing was a factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that as he approached his destination, the engine 'sputtered and choke' and then lost all power. The pilot made a forced landing on a highway bridge impacting two marker posts and structurally damaging one wing spar. Post crash inspection of the engine revealed that the #2 cylinder exhaust valve was stuck open.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 16, 1995, at 1420 central daylight time, a Cessna 150H, N22086, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Rockport, Texas. The private pilot and his passenger were not injured. The aircraft was being operated by Lufkin Plane Rental, under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated from Angelina County Airport near Lufkin, Texas, at 1135. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the cross country flight and a flight plan was not filed. The pilot reported to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, and on the enclosed Pilot/Operator Report, that as he approached his destination the "engine started to sputter and choke." The pilot reported that he "went through my emergency procedures, checking my mixture, throttle, carb [carburetor] heat, and fuel, 20 seconds had passed and the engine quit." During the landing on a highway bridge, the airplane impacted two marker post resulting in structural damage to a wing spar. Examination of the engine by the FAA inspector revealed that the #2 cylinder exhaust valve was stuck open. -