# NTSB ATL87FA052: Cessna 150F, N8780S, Newville, AL, January 1, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: January 1, 1987, 12:10 local (18:10 UTC)
- Place: Newville, AL
- Coordinates: 31.419645, -85.329093 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.4196&lon=-85.3291&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report April 25, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7277
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL87FA052
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7277/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL87FA052

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - tree(s)
  - aircraft handling - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT WAS OBSERVED FLYING AT LOW LEVELS DURING AN ORIENTATION/PLEASURE FLIGHT FOR A FRIEND'S OUT-OF-TOWN RELATIVE VISITING OVER THE HOLIDAYS. THE PROFESSIONAL MILITARY PILOT HAD BEEN CHECKED OUT IN THE CIVILIAN CESSNA 150 SIX WEEKS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. THE PILOT'S RECORD INDICATED NO PRIOR CIVILIAN FLIGHT EXPERIENCE. THE AIRCRAFT WAS FOUND IN A WOODED AREA AFTER COLLIDING WITH TREES AT 137 MPH AT A 33 DEGREE DESCENT ANGLE. THE INVESTIGATION DID NOT REVEAL ANY MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES WITH THE AIRCRAFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8780S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8780S-1988-12-09), registration cancelled 1988-12-09, S/N 15062080 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150F
- Registry model: [Cessna 150F](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150f) (registry code 2071814) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15062080
- Airframe hours: 3347
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Ozark Air Service
- Registered owner: Bobby Harrell/Harry Gravett
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, December 10, 1986, 14 hours before
- Departed: 71J, OZARK, AL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane, helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 5,721 total, 1 in this make and model, 3,973 as pilot in command, 28 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 57 °F, dew point 39 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: DHN, 14 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 19870101000759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870101000759A), Jan 1, 1987: Cessna 150F, Newville, AL, Destroyed, 2 fatal. The aircraft struck trees. Suspect pilot was maneuvering at low altitude. Impact was at a high rate of speed.

## Other investigations on N8780S (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 ATL82DA157](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL82DA157), Jun 6, 1982: Cessna 150F (N8780S), Monroeville, AL, substantial damage

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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