# NTSB ATL89LA038: Cessna 152F, N8225F, Harkers Island, NC, November 15, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 15, 1988, 15:10 local (20:10 UTC)
- Place: Harkers Island, NC
- Coordinates: 34.689029, -76.550315 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.6890&lon=-76.5503&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report July 3, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7956
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL89LA038
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7956/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89LA038

## Sequence of events

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

- Vortex turbulence encountered, maneuvering
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - water
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT RPRTD HE WAS ORBITING OVER A SCHOOL OF FISH AT APRX 800' WHEN HE ENCOUNTERED WAKE TURBULENCE FROM HIS OWN ACFT. HE BELIEVED THAT A WIDER ORBIT WOULD HAVE PREVENTED HIM FROM FLYING BACK INTO THE WAKE & ADDITIONAL ALTITUDE WOULD HAVE PROVIDED MORE TIME FOR RECOVERY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8225F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8225F-1989-03-29), registration cancelled 1989-03-29, S/N 15064325 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 152F
- Registry model: [Cessna 150F](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150f) (registry code 2071814) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15064325
- Airframe hours: 3016
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Patrick S. Smith
- Registered owner: Charlie Pittman Jr
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 2, 1988, 48 hours before
- Departed: MRH, BEAUFORT, NC

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 2,460 total, 2,400 as pilot in command, 400 in the last 90 days, 150 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 50° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,500 ft broken
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: NKT

## 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 19881115050779A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19881115050779A), Nov 15, 1988: Cessna 150F, Harkers Island, NC, Destroyed. Crashed into the ocean while engaging in low level fish spotting. Pilot reported he encountered severe turbulence.

## Other investigations on N8225F (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 MIA68D0356](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA68D0356), Oct 22, 1967: Cessna 150 (N8225F), Dahlonega, GA, destroyed

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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