NTSB Factual Report

On August 3, 2002, approximately 1900 central daylight time, a Cessna 150L, single-engine airplane, N10935, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Manvel, Texas. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot under Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The private pilot received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal cross-country flight, and flight plan was not filed. The flight departed Wharton, Texas, approximately 1830, with a planned destination of Pearland, Texas.

On the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) the pilot reported that the flight was at 1,500 feet agl when the engine rpm decreased from 2,350 rpms to 600-700 rpms. Further, the pilot added that he was able to "get a little response by pushing and pulling on the throttle." During the landing roll, the nose landing gear collapsed in the rough terrain.

The FAA inspectors, who responded to the accident site, found the airplane resting upright on the Darrington Prison property. Both wing spars were bent and the firewall was buckled. There was fuel in both fuel tanks, and the fuel was blue in color with no visual evidence of debris or contamination. The fuel selector was found in the "ON" position. When the crankshaft was rotated, there was engine continuity to the accessory case, thumb compression on each cylinder, and operation of the magneto impulse coupling. The spark plugs exhibited moderate wear. Continuity was confirmed for the throttle and mixture cables from the cockpit to the carburetor. The carburetor bowl had impact damage. The accelerator pump for the carburetor operated without discrepancies. No debris was found on the fuel screens for the gascolator or the carburetor.

The aircraft was released to the owner.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power for an undetermined reason. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.