# NTSB CHI84FA035: Cessna 150F, N8320G, Portland, IN, November 3, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: November 3, 1983, 18:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: Portland, IN
- Coordinates: 40.42984, -84.979446 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.4298&lon=-84.9794&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12374
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI84FA035
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12374/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI84FA035

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
  - light condition - night

## Analysis

THE PLT HAD JUST PURCHASED THE ACFT & FLEW A PREVIOUS CO-OWNER TO MONTPELIER, IN, WHERE HE LANDED AT ABOUT DUSK. THE PREVIOUS CO-OWNER DEPLANED. HE SAID THAT AFTER THE ACFT TOOK OFF, HE SAW IT TURN TO THE WEST & DEPART TOWARD MARION. A SHORT TIME LATER, THE ACFT WAS OBSERVED BY NUMEROUS RESIDENTS, CIRCLING OVER PORTLAND, IN, APRX 16 MI SOUTHEAST OF MONTELIER, AT LOW ALT. THE RESIDENTS REPORTED THAT IT WAS MAKING FREQUENT DIVES, CLIMBS & CIRCLES AT LOW ALTITUDES. AT APRX 1830, IT CRASHED WHILE IN A STEEP DIVE. AN EXAM OF THE WRECKAGE WAS MADE, BUT NO PREIMPACT MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE WAS FOUND. HOWEVER, THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE ACFT & EVIDENCE THAT IT HAD IMPACTED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. PATHOLOGICAL & TOXICOLOGICAL EXAMS REVEALED NO SIGNIFICATNT FACTORS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N8320G (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150F
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 150-62420
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Richard L. Turner
- Registered owner: Leslie L. Lewis
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, September 24, 1982
- Departed: MONTPELIER, IN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,500 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/bright
- Wind: 20° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FWA, 44 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 19831103056279A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19831103056279A), Nov 3, 1983: Cessna 150F, Portland, IN, Destroyed. Aircraft had been observed in numerous dives, climbs and circles at altitudes described as tree top level.

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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