Probable cause
The loss of engine power due to the failure of the engine's muffler which melted and grounded the ignition P-lead wire.
NTSB analysis
During a local pleasure flight the pilot noticed that the engine oil temperature indication was rising. He reduced the throttle, and then smelled something and saw smoke coming from under the instrument panel. He opened the window to alleviate the smoke. About 3 to 4 minutes from the airport, the engine lost power and the pilot performed a forced landing to a golf course. The nose landing gear collapsed during the forced landing, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane's firewall. Examination of the airplane subsequent to the accident revealed that the aft portion of the muffler was separated from the assembly allowing hot exhaust gasses to enter the engine compartment. The magneto P-lead wire was melted and shorted to the airplane structure.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA232 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 22, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Madison, Indiana
- Nearest airport
- Madison Municipal Airport (IMS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 150D
- N-number
- N5920T
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.