NTSB Factual Report

On March 8, 2003, approximately 1600 central standard time, a Cessna 150, single-engine airplane, N8994U, landed at the edge of the grass runway and struck a ditch during the landing roll at the Clover Field Airport near Pearland, Texas. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The commercial pilot was not injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight, and a flight plan was not filed. The personal flight departed Clover Field Airport at an unknown time.

The pilot reported that he returned to the airport for landing, announced his intentions on the Unicom frequency, and entered the traffic pattern in front of three banner towing aircraft for a left hand pattern to runway 14L. The runway, adjacent taxiway, and surrounding field had recently been mowed. The banner tow recovery team staging area was adjacent to the approach end of runway 14L. The pilot further reported that he was distracted by the banner towing activity, plus the field and runway having recently been mowed, and he landed the airplane at the left edge of the runway. The nose wheel struck a ditch near the intersection of the crossing runway, and the pilot initiated a go-around. During the subsequent landing roll, the nose landing gear and mount assembly folded aft. The engine mount and propeller were bent.

The pilot and the FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, found damage to the firewall, nose landing gear, engine mount, and propeller.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain runway alignment. Contributing factors were the pilot's diverted attention to the banner staging area, and the ditch.