# NTSB ATL89LA155: Cessna 150, N1115T, Trinity, NC, May 30, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 30, 1989, 17:55 local (21:55 UTC)
- Place: Trinity, NC
- Coordinates: 35.880676, -80.010391 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.8807&lon=-80.0104&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 22, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8035
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL89LA155
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8035/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89LA155

## Probable cause

THE PILOTS FAILURE TO SELECT A SUITABLE TAKEOFF AREA BASED ON THE WEIGHT OF THE AIRCRAFT AND THE ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS AT THE TIME OF TAKEOFF.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command
  - terrain condition - rising
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING A VISUAL DEPARTURE FROM A PRIVATE AIRSTRIP WHICH WENT DOWNHILL FOR ABOUT THE FIRST 1,000 FEET AND UPHILL FOR THE SECOND HALF. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THE AIRPLANE WOULD NOT CLIMB AFTER LIFTOFF AND THE AIRSPEED BEGAN TO DROP. THE PILOT ELECTED TO CRASH LAND IN TREES WHEN THE AIRSPEED REACHED ABOUT 40 MPH. THE O.A.T. WAS 88 DEGREES. THE DENSITY ALTITUDE WAS ABOUT 2800 FEET.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1115T](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1115T-2012-05-24), registration cancelled 2012-05-24, S/N 15061803, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150
- Registry model: [Cessna 150F](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150f) (registry code 2071814) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 150-61803
- Airframe hours: 2400
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Jeffery Wagoner
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Airport: Quiet Acres, runway 10, 2,000 × 40 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 23; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 23 total, 23 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19890530013389A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890530013389A), May 30, 1989: Cessna 150F, Trinity, NC, Substantial damage. Unable to climb after takeoff from short strip with 5000 feet density altitude and a passenger. Landed in trees.

## Other investigations on N1115T (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 MIA67D0375](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA67D0375), Dec 11, 1966: Cessna 150F (N1115T), Opa Locka, FL, 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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.