N704KX

On November 6, 2004, approximately 0945 central standard time, a Cessna 150M single-engine airplane, N704KX, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power while descending near Longview, Texas. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by Stebbins Aviation Incorporated, Longview, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight originated from the East Texas Regional Airport (GGG), near Longview, Texas, approximately 45 minutes earlier.

According to the 93-hour pilot, before departing from the East Texas Regional Airport, he performed a preflight inspection. During the inspection, the pilot visually inspected the two fuel tanks and observed that there was fuel present, but wasn't exactly sure of the amount. Estimating that there was enough fuel for a short sight seeing trip, they departed and flew over Tyler, Texas.

The pilot reported that after over-flying the passenger's house they returned to Longview, Texas, and contacted approach control, at the East Texas Regional Airport, with the intention of landing. After being handed over to the control tower and while approximately four miles west of the airport, the engine experienced an un-commanded reduction of power from 2,500 revolutions per minute (RPM) to approximately 1,000 RPM. The pilot tried moving the throttle to different positions, but was unable to change the RPM. Reporting the engine problem to the control tower the pilot was cleared to land "any runway and any direction."

The pilot further reported that he couldn't make the airport and elected to land in a field. At approximately 50 feet above ground level (agl), the engine experienced a momentary burst of power and then returned to approximately 1,000 rpm. Committed to land, the pilot turned off the engine ignition switch and directed the airplane between two trees in an attempt to reach a suitable landing field. While maneuvering through the trees, the outer right wing contacted a tree and shortly thereafter the airplane settled to the ground, coming to rest in an upright position.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, who responded to the accident site, both fuel tanks were intact and contained residual fuel. Approximately one inch of fuel was sumped from each fuel tank and there was no evidence of any fuel spill or leaks at the accident site. The inspector further reported that the right wing sustained structural damage.