NTSB Factual Report

On September 19, 2015 about 1230 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150M, N714CW, experienced significant engine vibrations and a partial loss of power approximately 10 minutes into the flight from Clearview Airpark (2W2), Westminster, Maryland. The pilot elected to make a precautionary landing in a corn field near Mt. Airy, Maryland. The private pilot was not injured and the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual flight rule conditions were reported near the site about the time of the accident, and a VFR flight plan was filed for the flight destined for Leesburg Executive Airport (JYO), Leesburg, Virginia.

The pilot reported that 10 minutes after takeoff at an altitude of 2,500 feet, the engine was not making full power. The pilot monitored the situation and adjusted his path to put him over Davis Airport (W50), Laytonsville, Maryland, in the event he needed to land.

The pilot continued to monitor the situation and stated the engine "was a little sluggish" and became progressively worse. He declared an emergency and found a suitable field to land on. As he circled to land, he saw electrical wires on the approach end, so he flew downwind for a landing in the opposite direction. During the turn to final, there was not enough altitude to make the original landing site so he landed on an unplowed corn field. As the plane settled into the corn, it pitched forward and flipped upside down.

Federal Aviation Administration inspectors examined the wreckage and confirmed substantial damage. The engine has been retained for continued examination.