Cessna 150 N3747J accident near Parkland, Florida

Probable cause

A catastrophic engine failure due to oil starvation to the main bearings for undetermined reasons.

NTSB analysis

The pilot stated that, shortly after takeoff and at an altitude of 2,000 ft, the engine was not producing full power. The pilot checked the airplane’s configuration and settings and then made a 180° turn to attempt a return to the departure airport. The engine started to shake and run rough and the pilot realized that the airplane would not make it back to the airport. The pilot identified a road to land on; about 50 ft above the road, the engine lost all power. After touchdown, the right wing tip contacted a tree branch and the right wing sustained damage to the wing root, outer leading edge, and the wing spar.

Examination of the engine revealed a roughly 6-inch hole in the top of the engine case just behind the No. 2 cylinder. Further examination revealed indications of oil starvation, though the oil tank was found to contain 5 quarts of oil, and the oil pump was found to be functional. The No. 2 connecting rod was found to be twisted, displayed thermal damage, and was separated from the crankshaft. The Nos. 1, 3, and 4, rod end bearings displayed evidence consistent with extrusion of the bearing material. According to airplane maintenance records, a major overhaul of the engine occurred about 187 hours of operation before the accident.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24LA105 for the full record.