# NTSB ATL89LA111: Morrisey 2150A, N41HB, Lenoir, NC, March 18, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 18, 1989, 13:45 local (18:45 UTC)
- Place: Lenoir, NC
- Coordinates: 35.89925, -81.529594 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.8993&lon=-81.5296&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report August 22, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8004
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL89LA111
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8004/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89LA111

## Probable cause

PILOT DISREGARDED THE APPARENT SEVERITY OF THE APPROACHING THUNDERSTORMS AND ATTEMPTED A CIRCUIT OF THE AIRPORT UNDER VISUAL FLIGHT RULES WHEN IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE. THE PILOT'S LACK OF RECENT FLIGHT EXPERIENCE WAS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
  - preflight planning/preparation - disregarded, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - thunderstorm (contributing factor)
  - weather evaluation - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - vfr flight into imc - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall/spin - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of recent experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - crop

## Analysis

THE EVIDENCE INDICATED THAT THE PILOT AND/OR OTHERS HAD JUST COMPLETED REASSEMBLY OF HIS AIRPLANE AFTER HAVING IT REPAINTED AT AN AUTOMOTIVE PAINT SHOP. AFTER FUELING THE TANKS HE ELECTED TO TRY A FLIGHT AROUND THE LOCAL PVT AIRSTRIP IN THE VICINITY OF RAPIDLY APPROACHING THUNDERSTORMS. JUST AFTER LIFT OFF, HE ENCOUNTERED HEAVY RAIN AND ABORTED THE FIRST LANDING ATTEMPT. HE THEN TRIED TO MAKE A LOW ALTITUDE TEARDROP APPROACH TO LANDING ON THE OPPOSITE RUNWAY. DURING THE TURN TO FINAL, THE AIRPLANE WAS OBSERVED TO ROLL INVERTED AAND COLLIDE WITH THE GROUND. THE AIRPLANE AND PILOT HAD NOT FLOWN FOR OVER THREE MONTHS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N41HB](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N41HB-1991-03-22), registration cancelled 1991-03-22, S/N SP30 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Morrisey 2150A
- Registry model: [Morrisey 2150A](https://openairdocs.org/model/morrisey-2150a) (registry code 5940204) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: SP-30
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2C 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Robert L. Mason
- Registered owner: Robert L Mason
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Airport: NC27, Lower Creek Airport, runway 5, 3,200 × 200 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 455 total, 32 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: variable at 10 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 1 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,500 ft overcast

## 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 19890318004009A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890318004009A), Mar 18, 1989: Varga 2150AMORISY, Lenoir, NC, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Took off into a approaching squal line with heavy rain severe wind. Lost control rolled inverted trying to return.

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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