The pilot reported that he held a helicopter rating and he was receiving flight instruction to add an airplane single engine land rating to his private pilot certificate.
He was on a solo cross-country flight in the Cessna 150D and had been inflight for about three hours when he became disoriented and was unable to find an airport.
Because of his low fuel situation, he elected to make a precautionary off field landing to an unpaved road near Hermleigh, Texas.
After touchdown, directional control was lost and the airplane hit an embankment on the side of the road, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. The pilot was not injured.
The NTSB determined the probable cause as the pilot’s improper positional awareness, which resulted in an off airport landing and impact with terrain.
NTSB Identification: CEN13CA485
This August 2013 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
If the pilot indeed “held” a helicopter rating, it would be between thumb and fingertip. Even on the plains (or IN the planes) of Texas, are there no VOR’s or TACANS?
Wonder if his water bottle was filled with 100 proof? Wow….
I guess the lightning fast Cessna just got way ahead of the fling wing pilot???
A pilot who “became disoriented and was unable to find an airport”. I don’t think I’ll be flying with him, any time soon.
Hmmm…….a pilot who does not know that when the &(%^* gets deep, go to 121.5 and ask for a vector and tell them your fuel situation ‘ain’t lookin’ too good’ & I need immediate assistance.