# NTSB ATL93LA017: Cessna 150, N3366J, Powell, TN, October 23, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 23, 1992, 15:15 local (19:15 UTC)
- Place: Powell, TN
- Coordinates: 36.030414, -84.020942 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.0304&lon=-84.0209&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 21, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8698
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL93LA017
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8698/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL93LA017

## Probable cause

THE WATER IN THE AIRCRAFT FUEL AS A RESULT OF THE IMPROPER PREFLIGHT BY THE PILOT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - fluid,fuel - contamination (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT HAD BEEN PARKED OUTDOORS, ON THE AIRPORT RAMP, FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THE PILOT/MECHANIC WAS IN THE PROCESS OF POST MAINTENANCE OPERATIONAL CHECKS OF THE AIRCRAFT. DURING A HIGH SPEED RUN ON THE RUNWAY, THE AIRCRAFT BECAME AIRBORNE. THE PILOT DECIDED TO CIRCLE THE AIRFIELD, AND DURING THE CLIMB OUT THE ENGINE LOST PARTIAL POWER. THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED INTO A GROUP OF TREES OFF THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, WATER WAS DETECTED IN THE AIRCRAFT FUEL TANKS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3366J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3366J-2014-10-07), registration cancelled 2014-10-07, S/N 15066066, built 1967 (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: 15066066
- Airframe hours: 3756
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Mayes, Norman C.
- Registered owner: Mayes, Norman C.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 12, 1989, 1 hours before
- Departed: 9A2
- Destination: 9A2
- Airport: 9A2, Powell Airport, runway 23, 2,600 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 62; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 8,643 total, 500 in this make and model, 8,643 as pilot in command, 27 in the last 90 days, 13 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Not reported
- Wind: 150° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: TYS, 20 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 19921023043909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19921023043909A), Oct 23, 1992: Cessna 150G, Knoxville, TN, Substantial damage. Became airborne on taxi test. Lost power on climbout. Struck trees. Had washed aircraft that sat out for long period

## Other investigations on N3366J (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 CHI06CA170](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI06CA170), Jun 27, 2006: Cessna 150G (N3366J), Indianapolis, IN, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot intentionally leaving the airplane unoccupied during the engine start and the failure of the tail tie-down, which ultimately resulted in the unoccupied airplane becoming airborne.

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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