# NTSB CEN18LA015: Cessna 150J, N50609, Willmar, MN, October 18, 2017 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: October 18, 2017, 10:45 local (15:45 UTC) - Place: Willmar, MN - Coordinates: 45.11, -95.129447 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.1100&lon=-95.1294&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report July 23, 2019 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: FAA - NTSB case key (mKey): 96211 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN18LA015 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/96211/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=96211 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA015 ## Probable cause The pilot’s improper conduct of the soft-field takeoff, which led to his failure to attain adequate airspeed, and the flight instructor’s subsequent improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, forced landing. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Instructor/check pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 150J, 13 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=2071820), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surface: soft surface](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03023020): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Effect on operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 150J, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03023020/cases.md?model=2071820), [All aircraft, 264 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03023020/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff: Miscellaneous/other](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900); cases with it: [Cessna 150J, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900/sequence.md?model=2071820), [All aircraft, 1,556 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 150J, 7 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=2071820), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) - [Landing-flare/touchdown: Nose over/nose down](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096); cases with it: [Cessna 150J, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md?model=2071820), [All aircraft, 2,287 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md) - [Landing-flare/touchdown: Off-field or emergency landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440); cases with it: [Cessna 150J, 13 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md?model=2071820), [All aircraft, 3,365 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md) - [Landing-flare/touchdown: Hard landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/092); cases with it: [Cessna 150J, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/092/sequence.md?model=2071820), [All aircraft, 2,102 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/092/sequence.md) - [Landing-flare/touchdown: Landing gear collapse](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/094); cases with it: [Cessna 150J, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/094/sequence.md?model=2071820), [All aircraft, 1,787 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/094/sequence.md) ## Analysis The private pilot stated that, when he initiated the takeoff for a flight review on the damp, soft runway, the airplane accelerated slowly. The flight instructor reported that he felt the airplane's nose "dive" twice, so he instructed the pilot to increase back pressure and get the airplane in ground effect because of the soft runway. The instructor then took control of the airplane, and it lifted off the runway and subsequently became airborne about 2,000 ft down the 3,000-ft-long runway. The instructor lowered the nose in ground effect to gain airspeed, but the airplane did not accelerate, and it was nearing an aerodynamic stall. The instructor then chose to land on a nearby field. He turned the airplane toward the field but had to level it off because he was concerned it was going to stall. During the landing, he flared the airplane too high, and the airplane impacted the field hard on the main landing gear. The nose landing gear dug into the soft terrain and collapsed, and the airplane then nosed over. During a postaccident test-run, the engine started without hesitation. The engine ran smoothly at various power settings, including full throttle. Given that the engine operated normally during the postaccident test-run, it is likely that the airplane did not accelerate properly due to the pilot's improper soft-field takeoff, which resulted in his failure to attain adequate airspeed. The instructor's subsequent improper landing flare led to a hard, forced landing. ## Factual narrative On October 18, 2017, at 1045 central daylight time, a Cessna 150J airplane, N50609, nosed over during a forced landing in Willmar, Minnesota. The flight instructor received minor injuries and the private pilot was not injured. The airplane received substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The airplane was registered to an individual and was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. Visual flight rules conditions existed near the accident site at the time of the accident, and a flight plan had not been filed. The local flight had departed from the Willmar Municipal Airport (BDH), at the time of the accident.The purpose of the flight was a flight review for the private pilot. The flight instructor stated they checked the magnetos and carburetor heat during the engine runup, at 1,500 rpm, and both functioned normally. They initiated the takeoff on runway 21 (2,980 ft long, turf) which they stated was damp and soft from recent rain. The private pilot initiated the takeoff and stated that the airplane seemed slow to accelerate. The flight instructor reported he felt the nose "dive" a couple times, so he instructed the private pilot to increase back pressure and get the airplane in ground effect because of the soft runway. The private pilot stated the flight instructor took control of the airplane and lifted it off the runway. The airplane became airborne about 2,000 ft down the 3,000 ft long runway. The flight instructor stated he lowered the nose in ground effect to gain airspeed, but the airplane did not accelerate, and it was nearing an aerodynamic stall. The flight instructor stated there was a road and a field on which to land. He turned the airplane, but had to level off because he was concerned the airplane was going to stall. He stated that during the forced landing in a plowed field, he flared too high, and the airplane contacted the terrain hard on the main gear. The nose gear dug into the soft terrain, collapsed and the airplane then nosed over. The flight instructor did not notice the tachometer, but he reported that the private pilot stated the rpm never increased above 1,900. A postaccident examination and test run of the engine was conducted. The engine started without hesitation on the first attempt. The engine ran smoothly at various power settings and ultimately at full throttle which produced 2,764 rpm. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N50609](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N50609-2019-12-06), registration cancelled 2019-12-06, S/N 15069430, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA 150J - Registry model: [Cessna 150J](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150j) (registry code 2071820) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 15069430 - Year built: 1968 - Airframe hours: 3635.43 - Engines: CONT MOTOR O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, May 21, 2017 - Departed: BDH, Willmar, MN - Destination: BDH, Willmar, MN - Airport: BDH, Willmar Municipal Airport, runway 21, 2,980 × 250 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Flight instructor; age 41; injuries: minor; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review December 2, 2015; seat: right; restraint: lap only; flight hours: 6,300 total, 150 in this make and model, 6,100 as pilot in command, 50 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days - Pilot; age 62; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review November 14, 2015; seat: left; restraint: lap only; flight hours: 883 total, 10 in this make and model, 843 as pilot in command, 8 in the last 90 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 300° at 8 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 46 °F - Altimeter: 29.82 inHg - Observed at: BDH, 1 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 20171018014859A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20171018014859A), Oct 18, 2017: Cessna 150J, Willmar, MN, Destroyed. Take off and departure from airport with known airworthiness discrepancy. Engine was not producing maximum power. ## Docket (6 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on December 6, 2018, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=96211. 8.8 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 - Flight Instructor (item 1, .PDF, 3.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40468955&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1%20-%20Flight%20Instructor-Master.PDF - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 - Private Pilot (item 2, .PDF, 3.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40468956&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1%20-%20Private%20Pilot-Master.PDF - Summary of Engine Run (item 3, .PDF, 26 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40468957&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Summary%20of%20Engine%20Run-Master.PDF - Record of Conversation (item 4, .PDF, 85 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40468958&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation-Master.PDF - Aircraft and Engine Log (item 5, .PDF, 509 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40468959&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Aircraft%20and%20Engine%20Log-Master.PDF - Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation (item 6, .PDF, 668 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40468960&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Statement%20of%20Party%20Representatives%20to%20NTSB%20Investigation-Master.PDF 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.