# Accident 20150508007279A: Cessna 150D, Balsam Grove, NC, May 8, 2015

- Type: FAA accident report (Accident/Incident Data System), as reported
- Date: May 8, 2015, 16:00 local time
- Place: Balsam Grove, NC
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Phase of flight: Takeoff: Climb Out
- Operating rules: General operating rules (Part 91)
- Location: 35.2253° N, 82.8642° W: From the FAA
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.2253&lon=-82.8642&mi=10
- Aircraft: N5981T, registered now (https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5981T) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry model: Cessna 150D (registry code 2071810, https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150d) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: Continental 0-200 series (registry code 17020, https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150D
- Reported engine: CONT MOTOR 0-200 SERIES
- People aboard: 1
- Fatal injuries: 0
- Other injuries: 0
- Pilot certificates: Private pilot
- Pilot flight hours: 341 total, 95 in this make and model, 5 in the last 90 days
- NTSB investigation: [NTSB ERA15CA209](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15CA209) (OpenAirDocs)
- FAA source: FAA Aviation Safety Information Portal (https://asip.faa.gov/)
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/incident/20150508007279A

## Narrative

As the FAA filed it, in capitals; the FAA replaces private details with ^PRIVACY DATA OMITTED^.

^PRIVACY DATA OMITTED^OPERATOR HAD TO PUT AIRCRAFT DOWN IN FIELD AFTER ENGINE QUIT INFLIGHT.  AIRCRAFT LANDED WITHOUT INCIDENT, PILOT FOUND LEFT TANK EMPTY BUT RIGHT TANK HAD ALMOST FULL TANK.  PILOT ADDED FUEL TO LEFT TANK AND PERFORMED RUN UP WITH NO PROBLEMS NOTED.  AIRCRAFT DEPARTED USING ROAD NEXT TO FIELD, DURING CLIMB OUT LEFT WING AND RIGHT STABILIZER STRUCK TREES.  PILOT CONTINUED TO HIS PRIVATE STRIP WHERE HE LANDED AGAIN WITHOUT INCIDENT. ON 5/11/15 FAA INSPECTORS INTERVIEW PILOT AND LOOKED AT DAMAGE ON AIRCRAFT.  DAMAGE TO RIGHT STABILIZER IS CONSIDERED TO BE SUBSTANTAIL DAMAGE.

## The NTSB's investigation of this event (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB ERA15CA209](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15CA209), May 8, 2015: Cessna 150D (N5981T), Balsam Grove, NC, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's decision to attempt an off airport takeoff, and failure to maintain adequate clearance during the initial climb in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees.

From the FAA Accident/Incident Data System. Reports are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. For accidents, the NTSB's own investigation is the fuller record.

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