Cessna 150H accident near Washougal, Washington, July 24, 2009
On July 24, 2009 at about 2:15 am local time, a Cessna 150H, registered N22278, was substantially damaged in an accident during initial climb near Washougal, Washington (Brown'S Cape Horn Airport). It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). 1 person was seriously injured. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
A loss of engine power during initial climb due to a stuck exhaust valve.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- July 24, 2009 · about 2:15 am local time
- Place
- Washougal, Washington · Brown'S Cape Horn Airport · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 1 person was seriously injured.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Cessna 150H · all 150Hs on the register
- Registration
- N22278 · no longer on the register · serial 15068187
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
The pilot reported that the airplane’s engine lost power immediately after takeoff from a private airfield. The left wing then struck a large tree and the airplane subsequently crashed into wooded terrain, which resulted in structural damage to both wings and fuselage. Post accident examination of the engine disclosed that the (top) electrode areas of the spark plugs were oil soaked, and severe wear was noted to the ground and center electrodes. Further examination revealed that the number 4 cylinder exhaust valve was stuck in the open position. The valve remained stuck during a functional check and was later removed utilizing a punch and heavy hammer. A dark brown material and smearing was noted along the exhaust valve neck. Comparable material and smearing was observed along the interior surface of the exhaust valve guide. No additional mechanical anomalies were noted with the engine.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
What happened, in order
- Loss of engine power (total) during initial climb defining event
- Off-field or emergency landing during emergency descent
- Collision with terrain or object (not controlled flight into terrain) during emergency descent
The NTSB's findings
- cause Aircraft › Aircraft power plant › Engine (reciprocating) › Recip engine power section › Malfunction
- Environmental issues › Physical environment › Object/animal/substance › Tree(s) › Contributed to outcome
Pilot
- Certificate: private
- Ratings: single-engine land
- Flight time: 2,500 hours in all; 600 in this make and model; 20 in the last 90 days; 5 in the last 30 days; 2,500 as pilot in command
- Last flight review: August 16, 2008
- Medical certificate: Class 2 (with waivers/limitations)
- Seat: left
- Injury: serious injuries
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 13,051 hours
- Last inspection: annual inspection, March 29, 2008; 45 hours since
- Maximum gross weight: 1,600 lb
- Seats: 2
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Cont Motor O-200 SERIES (piston); 0 hours total
The flight
- Departed from: 4WA1 Washougal WA at 2:30 am
- Destination: 4WA1 Washougal WA
- Flight plan: none
- Runway 07, 1,600 ft by 60 ft
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 350° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: clear
- Temperature: 72°F (22°C), dew point 55°F (13°C)
- Altimeter: 30.03 inHg
- Observation at 2:53 am from KTTD, 5 miles away
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
The docket, the folder of records gathered during an investigation (maintenance records, photographs, witness statements, examinations), has not been read from the NTSB for this case yet; the list appears here once it has. Open the docket at the NTSB.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.