Cessna 150F N8855S

Summary

On 6 February 1994 at about 23:28 local time, a Cessna 150F registered N8855S, operated by Plus One Flyers, Inc., was involved in an accident near Borrego Springs, California, United States. One person was on board and one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

6 February 1994 at 23:28

Classification

Accident

Location

Borrego Springs, California, United States

Nearest airport

Borrego Valley (L08)

Coordinates

33.1700, -116.2705

Aircraft

Cessna 150F

Registration

N8855S

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Plus One Flyers, Inc.

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Unknown → San Diego

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

LAX94LA114

1 person was seriously injured.

1) the pilot's decision to takeoff in an aircraft with a known, yet unresolved, engine performance deficiency, and 2) the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering back to the runway. A factor in the accident was the weld repair of the cylinder head rocker arm boss during overhaul, which led to a fatigue failure of the component.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

While in cruise, the pilot noticed that his engine began running roughly. He made a precautionary landing at a nearby airport, but was unable to identify the problem. A second ground run-up developed only 2,100 rpm's at full throttle. He then called the operator. After a discussion, he decided that if the engine performance improved, he would fly back. On the next run-up, the rpm improved in the 2,200-to-2,300 rpm range, and the pilot felt this was fine for takeoff. The takeoff roll seemed slower than normal, so he decided to climb over the airport in case of an emergency. On climbout at 100-to-200 feet agl, the engine again began running roughly. He began a shallow turn back toward the runway, and lost control of the aircraft. The aircraft stalled, impacted the ground, and nosed over. An inspection of the engine showed the rocker arm boss on the No. 1 cylinder had fractured due to fatigue cracking. Lab analysis showed the boss was welded during cylinder overhaul, a procedure not allowed by Continental.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.