# NTSB CHI82DA046: Cessna 150, N9447U, Altamont, IL, February 14, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: February 13, 1982, 20:00 local (Feb 14, 1982, 02:00 UTC)
- Place: Altamont, IL
- Coordinates: 39.050239, -88.739974 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.0502&lon=-88.7400&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report February 13, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 69751
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI82DA046
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/69751/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI82DA046

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, cruise - normal
  - anti-ice/deice system,carburetor/heat - deteriorated
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
- Nose gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - snow covered (contributing factor)
  - landing gear,nose gear - overload

## Analysis

ABOUT FIVE TO TEN MINUTES AFTER TAKEOFF AT NIGHT, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER AND THEN SUDDENLY STOPPED. PILOT ELECTED TO LAND IN A LIGHT COLORED AREA THAT WAS SURROUNDED BY DARKER AREAS. DURING THE APPROACH, THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A TREE WHICH DAMAGED THE LEFT WING AND TAIL, AND KNOCKED THE WINDSHIELD OUT. AT THIS TIME, THE ENGINE BEGAN RUNNING. THE PILOT ADDED POWER AND THE PLANE SETTLED TO THE GROUND WHICH WAS COVERED WITH 14 INCHES OF SNOW. AFTER TOUCHDOWN THE NOSE GEAR FOLDED AND THE WHEEL PANTS SEPARATED FROM THE LANDING GEAR. AN INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE HEAT DUCT TO THE CARBURETOR AIR BOX WAS DETERIORATED TO THE EXTENT THAT HEAT WOULD HAVE BEEN DIVERTED FROM THE CARBURETOR. HOWEVER, THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED NO OTHER MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES. THE TEMPERATURE AND DEW POINT WERE 21 AND 15 DEGREES, RESPECTIVELY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N9447U (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 78395
- Airframe hours: 2276
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: David Vaughan
- Registered owner: Harry Lutz
- Departed: VLA, EFFINGHAM, IL
- Destination: VANDALIA, IL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 6,000 total, 300 in this make and model, 5,800 as pilot in command, 126 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 200° at 14 knots
- Visibility: 4 statute miles
- Temperature: 70 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19820213004039A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820213004039A), Feb 13, 1982: Cessna 150M, Altamont, IL, Substantial damage. Engine quit shortly after departure. Struck tree and landed in deep snow. Carburetor heat duct was deteriorated.

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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