# NTSB ATL86LA052: Cessna 150M, N66218, Whiteville, NC, January 3, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 3, 1986, 17:45 local (22:45 UTC)
- Place: Whiteville, NC
- Coordinates: 34.319095, -78.700622 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.3191&lon=-78.7006&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Standing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/150) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7052
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL86LA052
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7052/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL86LA052

## Sequence of events

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

- Fire, standing - starting engine(s)
  - starting procedure - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper assistance - not used, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PLT HAD MOVED THE AIRCRAFT CLOSER TO THE TERMINAL ABOUT 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO THIS ATTEMPTED START. HE TRIED SEVERAL TIMES BUT IT WOULD NOT START. THE PLT THEN PRIMED THE ENG SEVERAL TIMES. HIS WIFE SHOUTED TO HIM THAT THE AIRCRAFT WAS ON FIRE. HIS EFFORTS TO PUT THE FIRE OUT WERE UNSUCCESSFUL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N66218](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N66218-1989-07-21), registration cancelled 1989-07-21, S/N 15075927 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150M
- Registry model: [Cessna 150M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150m) (registry code 2071830) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15075927
- Airframe hours: 2171
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Euphoria Limited
- Registered owner: Tranquil Air, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 28, 1985, 63 hours before
- Airport: CPC, Columbus County Muni

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 59 total, 39 in this make and model, 9 as pilot in command, 36 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 280° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 36 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: FAY, 44 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 19860103001159A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860103001159A), Jan 3, 1986: Cessna 150M, Whiteville, NC, Substantial damage. Over primed during starting, caught fire. Did not use extinguisher in the aircraft. Fbos extinguisher inoperative.

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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