# NTSB ANC88LA053: Cessna 150L, N6592G, Kotzebue, AK, May 4, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 3, 1988, 23:55 local (May 4, 1988, 07:55 UTC)
- Place: Kotzebue, AK
- Coordinates: 67.239128, -161.189865 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=67.2391&lon=-161.1899&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report May 26, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 5003
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC88LA053
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/5003/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC88LA053

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s)
  - maneuver - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
  - psychological condition, pilot in command (cause)
  - interpersonal relations, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED FIVE MILES SOUTH OF THE CITY ALONG THE BEACH LINE. FAA INSPECTORS, THE ALASKA STATE TROOPERS ACCIDENT REPORT AND SEVERAL WITNESSES REVEALED THAT THE PILOT STATED PRIOR TO THE FLIGHT THAT HE INTENDED TO COMMIT SUICIDE. THE PLT HAD A FIGHT WITH HIS GIRL FRIEND THAT NIGHT AND SHE SAID SHE TOLD HIM SHE DID NOT WANT TO SEE HIM AGAIN. HE WAS ALREADY UNDER STRESS FROM PROBLEMS AT HIS HOME AND HAD TOLD A FRIEND THAT HE WAS GOING TO COMMIT SUICIDE. HE ADDED THAT HE HAD PICKED A PLACE AND WAS GOING TO LEAVE THE ELT OFF SO NO ONE WOULD FIND HIM. POST ACC INSPECTION SHOWED THAT THE ACFT HIT A 70 FT CLIFF ABOUT 15 FT ABOVE THE BASE NEAR SADIE CREEK. THE ACFT AT GROUND CONTACT WAS IN A 15 DEGREE LEFT BANK WITH THE NOSE SLIGHTLY LOW. THE ACFT WAS REPORTED AS 'BUZZING' A FISHING CAMP NEARBY AND HEADING OFF IN THE DIRECTION OF SADIE CREEK ABOUT AN HOUR BEFORE THE CRASH.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6592G](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6592G-1993-03-09), registration cancelled 1993-03-09, S/N 15072092 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150L
- Registry model: [Cessna 150L](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150l) (registry code 2071826) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15072092
- Airframe hours: 2951
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Troy L. Adams
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 11, 1987

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 19; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 120 total, 120 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 60° at 11 knots
- Visibility: 35 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 36 °F, dew point 27 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: OT2, 5 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19880503012689A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880503012689A), May 3, 1988: Cessna 150L, Kotzebue, AK, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Flew the aircraft into the side of seashore cliff. Pilot had stated he would kill himself in the aircraft.

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.

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