# NTSB ATL87LA148: Cessna 150J, N50736, Memphis, TN, November 4, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 3, 1986, 18:00 local (Nov 4, 1986, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: Memphis, TN
- Location: 35.1495° N, 90.0490° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Memphis, TN, within about 10 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.1495&lon=-90.0490&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report January 25, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7434
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL87LA148
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7434/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL87LA148

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - touch-and-go - performed, pilot in command
  - weather condition - haze/smoke (contributing factor)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - aircraft handling - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - water,glassy

## Analysis

PRIOR TO ITS DISCOVERY ON MAY 20, 1987, THIS ACFT HAD LAST BEEN SEEN ON X-WIND LEG ON CLIMB OUT AFTER A TOUCH AND GO AT DEWITT SPAIN ARPT. PARTS OF THE ACFT WERE RECOVERED FROM THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER NORTHWEST OF THE ARPT. THE PLT'S REMAINS HAD NOT BEEN RECOVERED, HOWEVER, HE IS PRESUMED TO HAVE RECEIVED FATAL INJURIES IN THE ACCIDENT. WITNESSES REPORTED THAT THE AMBIENT CONDITIONS WERE DARK NIGHT WITH RESTRICTED VISIBILITY. THE PILOT WAS NOT INSTRUMENT RATED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N50736 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150J
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15069519
- Airframe hours: 3179
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Richard Brooks
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, May 20, 1986
- Departed: MEMPHIS, TN
- Airport: M01, General Dewitt Spain

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 150 total, 1 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 270° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MEM

## 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 19861103054329A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19861103054329A), Nov 3, 1986: Cessna 150J, Memphis, TN, Destroyed. Appears pilot lost control of aircraft in fog and crashed into Mississippi river. Aircraft found 7 months later.

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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