N2225J

On November 7, 1993, at 1335 central standard time, a Cessna 150G, N2225J, was substantially damaged following a forced landing near Salem, Arkansas. The pilot did not receive injury. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal local area flight.

During telephone interviews with the pilot, the following information was revealed. The flight departed the municipal airport, Salem, Arkansas, at 1230 and stopped for 15 gallons of fuel at the local Horseshoe Bend Airport. After obtaining fuel, the pilot departed for a local flight to the Lazy M Ranch where he decided to make a low approach to a private grass airstrip. The pilot initiated the approach from approximately 2,000 feet above the ground, as he pulled on the carburetor heat and reduced the power to flight idle. From a level attitude approximately 50 feet to 100 feet above the ground, the pilot finished looking at the airstrip. He initiated a go around by pushing the carburetor heat to cold and applying full throttle. The engine "sputtered" and the airplane could not develop enough power to sustain flight. A field was selected for the forced landing; however, the airplane hit a fence and the left horizontal stabilizer hit a metal feeder as the airplane rolled to a stop nose down.

An examination by the Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed fuel in the gascolator with no indication of fuel in the tanks. The pilot said that fuel was leaking from the airplane after the accident and he removed the fuel from the tanks because he was concerned about fire. Containers with 7 to 8 gallons of aviation fuel were shown to the inspector.

The engine and accessories were examined on December 8, 1993, at Mobile, Alabama. When removing the damaged air box from the carburetor it was noted that the acceleration pump check valve was loose; however, there was no evidence of fuel stain in the area of the valve. The carburetor linkage to the accelerator pump was worn. The number three top plug ignition lead was damaged. After tightening the check valve, an engine run was conducted and the engine accelerated to 2,713 RPM.

The engine and accessories were released to the owner following the investigation.