# NTSB ATL87LA068: Cessna 150M, N704FT, Pinson, AL, January 31, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 31, 1987, 15:55 local (21:55 UTC)
- Place: Pinson, AL
- Coordinates: 33.719944, -86.6501 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.7199&lon=-86.6501&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report March 10, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7375
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL87LA068
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7375/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL87LA068

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - engine assembly,cylinder - low compression (cause)
  - ignition system,ignition lead - deteriorated (cause)
  - maintenance,annual inspection - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s)
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - emergency procedure - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing

## Analysis

DURING INTIAL CLIMB AFTER TAKEOFF THE ENG QUIT AND RESTARTED MORE THAN ONCE. THE ACFT WAS TURNED BACK TOWARD THE DEPARTURE RWY. DURING THE TURN, THE WING STRUCK A TREE, CONTROL WAS LOST, AND THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND. EXAMINATION OF THE ENG REVEALED LOW COMPRESSION ON THE #4 CYLINDER AND ARCING OF THE #4 SPARK PLUG LEAD. THE PLT HAD NOT HAD A BFR SINCE RECEIVING PVT CERTIFICATION 31 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. THE AIRCRAFT WAS OVERDUE FOR ANNUAL INSPECTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N704FT](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N704FT-2013-05-31), registration cancelled 2013-05-31, S/N 15078582, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150M
- Registry model: [Cessna 150M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150m) (registry code 2071830) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15078582
- Airframe hours: 1594
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: David S. Comer
- Registered owner: David S. Comer
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, August 15, 1985, 59 hours before
- Airport: Turkey Creek, runway 36, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, unknown; seat: left; flight hours: 176 total, 176 in this make and model, 125 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 57 °F, dew point 25 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BHM, 10 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 19870131001939A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870131001939A), Jan 31, 1987: Cessna 150M, Pinson, AL, Substantial damage, 1 fatal. The engine failed on takeoff and the aircraft hit trees. Low compression in one cylinder. No annual. Auto fuel used

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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