# NTSB ATL98LA098: Cessna 150M, N704YG, Niceville, FL, July 17, 1998

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 17, 1998, 15:40 local (20:40 UTC)
- Place: Niceville, FL
- Coordinates: 30.529291, -86.480041 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.5293&lon=-86.4800&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 19, 1999
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 43074
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL98LA098
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/43074/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL98LA098

## Probable cause

Proper touchdown point not attained.  Factors were a tailwind and wet grass.

## Sequence of events

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

- Overrun, landing - roll
  - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor)
  - proper touchdown point - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - wet (contributing factor)
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

According to the pilot, after an uneventful banner towing flight, he turned final approach, released the banner in tow, reduced power on the aircraft, full flaps were implemented and the airspeed was decreased to 60 KIAS.  He said a tailwind decreased the lift of the aircraft causing firm impact with the ground, high ground speed and 'hydroplaning' on the wet grass surface. The aircraft overran the end of the runway and collided with two trees located at the south end of the airstrip.

## Factual narrative

On July 17, 1998, at 1540 central daylight time a Cessna 150M, N704YG, owned/operated by Walker Aviation Services, collided between two trees after landing at Ruckel Airstrip in Niceville, Florida. The airplane was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local banner towing flight. The pilot and sole occupant received minor injuries and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight originated from the private airstrip at 1415 central daylight time.

According to the pilot, after an uneventful banner towing flight and return to Ruckel Airstrip, he turned final approach, released the banner in tow, reduced power on the aircraft, full flaps were implemented and the airspeed was decreased to 60 KIAS. According to the pilot, a tailwind decreased the lift of the aircraft causing firm impact with the ground, high ground speed and "hydroplaning" on the wet grass surface. The aircraft overran the end of the runway and collided with two trees located at the south end of the airstrip.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N704YG](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N704YG-1999-01-13), registration cancelled 1999-01-13, S/N 15078974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Cessna 150M
- Registry model: [Cessna 150M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150m) (registry code 2071830) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15078974
- Airframe hours: 4766
- Engines: Lycoming O-320E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Other work use, Part 91
- Registered owner: Walker Aviation Services
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: 100 hour, June 26, 1998, 83 hours before
- Departed: FL17
- Airport: FL17, Ruckel

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 650 total, 232 in this make and model, 536 as pilot in command, 129 in the last 90 days, 113 in the last 30 days, 12 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 10 knots, gusting 27
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 8,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 77 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: VPS, 5 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 19980717023819A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980717023819A), Jul 17, 1998: Cessna 150M, Niceville, FL, Substantial damage. (.4)After an uneventful banner towing flight, the pilot returned to the Ruckel airstrip. After turning final approach, the pilot released the banner in tow,…

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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