Probable cause
A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was attempting to pick up a banner when the engine lost power and the airplane stalled. The pilot partially recovered from the stall; however, the left wing struck the ground and the airplane collided with a ditch. The wings and fuselage received substantial damage. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction. At the time of the accident, the airplane was not being operated in conditions conducive to carburetor icing. The reason for the power loss could not be determined.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11LA411 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 20, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Elizabethtown, Kentucky
- Nearest airport
- Addington Field (EKX)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 150M
- N-number
- N8576U
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Banner tow
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.