# NTSB ATL90LA187: Cessna 150J, N41GF, Grantham, NC, September 16, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 16, 1990, 12:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Grantham, NC
- Coordinates: 35.370239, -77.970748 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.3702&lon=-77.9707&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 12, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8287
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL90LA187
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8287/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL90LA187

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF THE RUDDER TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND HIS PREMATURE LIFT-OFF, WHICH RESULTED IN A STALL AND COLLISION WITH THE GROUND.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff
  - rudder - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command
  - lift-off - premature, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT DURING TAKE OFF THE AIRPLANE DRIFTED LEFT. HE COUNTERED WITH INSUFFICIENT RIGHT RUDDER. THE DRIFT CONTINUED, HE PULLED BACK ON THE YOKE, & THE AIRPLANE BECAME AIRBORNE. IT ROLLED RIGHT & THE STALL WARNING HORN ACTIVATED. LEFT AILERON WAS APPLIED WITHOUT RESULT. THE NOSE WAS PITCHED DOWN TO ACCELERATE THE AIRPLANE. THE RIGHT WING THEN COLLIDED WITH A COTTON FIELD & THE AIRPLANE GROUND LOOPED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N41GF](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N41GF-1993-01-08), registration cancelled 1993-01-08, S/N 15069965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150J
- Registry model: [Cessna 150J](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150j) (registry code 2071820) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15069965
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Grantham Aero Club
- Airport: 6NCO, Cox Grantham, runway 21, 2,800 × 54 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 20; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 28 total, 7 in this make and model, 6 as pilot in command, 7 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point -0 °F

## 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 19900916065759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900916065759A), Sep 16, 1990: Cessna 150J, Grantham, NC, Substantial damage. Rotated early near stall, wing dragged on ground and aircraft cartwheeled.

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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