# NTSB ATL91LA087: Cessna 150, N2409J, Copperhill, TN, April 24, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 24, 1991, 12:00 local (17:00 UTC)
- Place: Copperhill, TN
- Coordinates: 34.990688, -84.369369 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.9907&lon=-84.3694&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8399
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL91LA087
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8399/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL91LA087

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF CARBURETOR HEAT. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE EXISTING OF CARBURETOR ICING CONDITIONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, climb - to cruise
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions (contributing factor)
  - carburetor heat - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - sign

## Analysis

ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, ALL PREFLIGHT CHECKS WERE COMPLETED PRIOR TO ATTEMPTING THE TAKEOFF.  ADDITIONALLY, THE CARBURETOR HEAT CHECK WAS NORMAL. SHORTLY AFTER TURNING DOWNWIND, THE PILOT REPORTED A COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. HE ATTEMPTED A TURN TOWARD THE AIRPORT, BUT, REALIZING THAT HE WOULD BE SHORT OF THE RUNWAY. HE ELECTED TO LAND ON THE ADJACENT PAVED ROAD.  DURING THE ROLLOUT THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A ROAD SIGN. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE AND POWER PLANT FAILED TO DISCLOSE A MECHANICAL PROBLEM; HOWEVER, WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE FAVORABLE FOR THE FORMATION OF CARBURETOR ICE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2409J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2409J-2012-09-06), registration cancelled 2012-09-06, S/N 15065509, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150
- Registry model: [Cessna 150G](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150g) (registry code 2071816) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15065509
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Payne, Max R.
- Registered owner: Payne, Max R.

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 475 total, 470 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Observed at: CHA, 35 nm away

## 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 19910424012109A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910424012109A), Apr 24, 1991: Cessna 150G, Copperhill, TN, Substantial damage. Engine quit on climbout. Struck a sign landing on a highway. No engine defects. Carburetor icing conditions in area

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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