# NTSB ATL86LA113: Cessna 150, N7792E, Appalachia, VA, April 14, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 14, 1986, 10:25 local (15:25 UTC)
- Place: Appalachia, VA
- Coordinates: 36.899257, -82.779632 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.8993&lon=-82.7796&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7090
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL86LA113
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7090/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL86LA113

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions
  - carburetor heat - not used, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

N7792E EXPERIENCED A GRADUAL POWER LOSS WHILE EN ROUTE TO GREENWOOD. S.C. VIA APPALACHIA, VA. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THE ENGINE QUIT AND RESTARTED FOR A FEW SECONDS AFTER HE HAD BEEN FLYING ABOUT TWENTY MINUTES. THIS CYCLE CONTINUED FOR ABOUT TWO MORE TIMES,BEFORE THE ENGINE STOPPED COMPLETELY. HE PROCEEDED TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN A WOODED MOUNTAINOUS AREA. THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A TREE FLIPPED INVERTED AND EXPLODED ON IMPACT WITH THE GROUND. THE AIRCRAFT WAS DESTROYED BY FIRE. THE ACCIDENT SITE WAS ABOUT 180 DEGREES FROM THE INTENDED ROUTE OF FLIGHT. THE PILOT'S BROTHER-IN LAW STATED THAT THE PILOT HAD PLANNED TO OVERFLY THE FAMILY HOME TO SHOW THEM THE AIRCRAFT. THE CONDITION DESCRIBED BY THE PILOT WAS INDICATIVE OF CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH CARBURETOR ICE. THE PILOT DID NOT REPORT APPLYING CARBUERTOR HEAT. THE TEMP/DEW POINT AT TRI-CITIES AIRPORT WAS 68/43 DEGREES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N7792E (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 150-17592
- Airframe hours: 2535
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Albert G. Harris
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 25, 1985
- Departed: LONESOME PINE, VA
- Destination: GREENWOOD, NC

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,812 total, 215 in this make and model, 1,750 as pilot in command, 203 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: TRI, 47 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 19860414011829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860414011829A), Apr 14, 1986: Cessna 150, Appalachia, VA, Destroyed. Struck trees during an emergency landing after engine power loss. Conditions right for carburetor icing.

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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