# NTSB BFO93LA043: Cessna 150, N8958S, Knoxville, PA, February 27, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 27, 1993, 16:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Knoxville, PA
- Coordinates: 41.739578, -77.299102 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.7396&lon=-77.2991&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 13, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11911
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO93LA043
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11911/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO93LA043

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL.  CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PLOW THE RUNWAY ADEQUATELY.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - airport snow removal - inadequate, pilot in command
  - all available runway - not possible, pilot in command
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose down, takeoff - roll/run

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE PLOWED ABOUT A 10 FOOT WIDE STRIP DOWN THE RUNWAY WHICH WAS SNOW COVERED.  HE STATED DURING THE TAKEOFF GROUND RUN, THE LEFT WHEEL ENCOUNTERED SOME CRUSTY SNOW CAUSING THE AIRPLANE TO PULL TO THE LEFT INTO DEEPER SNOW.  THE NOSE WHEEL COLLAPSED AND THE AIRPLANE NOSED DOWN CAUSING SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE LEFT WING.  THE PILOT STATED IN THE SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS SECTION OF HIS REPORT, '...SHOULD HAVE PLOWED STRIP WIDER.  SNOW WAS CRUSTY...WITH CONSIDERABLE DRAG.'

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8958S](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8958S), registered now, S/N 15062258, 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: 15062258
- Airframe hours: 3661
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Joel W. Cumberledge Jr.
- Registered owner: Joel W. Cumberledge Jr.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, June 18, 1992, 117 hours before
- Departed: 6PS3, CHAMP FIELD, PA
- Airport: 6PS3, Champ Field, runway 27, 2,000 × 50 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 678 total, 675 in this make and model, 14 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 140° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 39 °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 19930227050889A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930227050889A), Feb 27, 1993: Cessna 150F, Knoxville, PA, Substantial damage. Plowed ten foot wide strip in snow covered runway. Left wheel hit crusty snow on edge on takeoff. Struck snowbank.

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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