# NTSB CHI85LA041: Cessna 150M, N45574, Pillager, MN, November 6, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 5, 1984, 19:15 local (Nov 6, 1984, 01:15 UTC)
- Place: Pillager, MN
- Coordinates: 46.320571, -94.470321 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.3206&lon=-94.4703&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12950
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI85LA041
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12950/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85LA041

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - terrain condition - wet (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - uphill (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - lowering of flaps - excessive, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb
  - object - tree(s) (cause)
  - clearance - not obtained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT TOOK OFF UPHILL ON A GRASS RWY THAT WAS DEW COVERED. THE FIELD WAS APRX 1600 FT LONG BORDERED BY 50-75 FT TREES.THE PLT STATED THAT DURING TAKEOFF ROLL THE ACFT LIGHTS WERE FLICKERING. HE SAID THAT THE ACFT WAS AIRBORNE APRX 300 FT BEFORE REACHING THE TREE LINE. ACCORDING TO HIS STATEMENT THE ACFT ENG LOST POWER IN THE CLIMB WHEN THE ACFT WAS ABOUT 20 FT FROM THE TREE LINE. THE ACFT CONTACTED AND REMAINED IN THE TREES. ON THE DAY FOLLOWING, THE ACFT WAS REMOVED FROM THE TREES; THE ENG WAS STARTED & RAN NORMALLY. THE PLT USED 20 DEGREES OF FLAPS FOR TAKEOFF. THE ACFT OPERATING HANDBOOKCALLED FOR 10 DEGREES OF FLAPS AND A TAKEOFF DISTANCE OF 1570 FT TO CLEAR A 50 FT OBSTACLE ON A DRY GRASS RWY. THE UNKNOWNS INTRODUCED BY WET GRASS, UPHILL RWY & IMPROPER FLAP SETTING CANNOT BE CALCULATED ACCURATELY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N45574](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N45574-2013-06-18), registration cancelled 2013-06-18, S/N 15076976, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150M
- Registry model: [Cessna 150M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150m) (registry code 2071830) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15076976
- Airframe hours: 4307
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Abjj Enterprises Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: 100 hour, September 13, 1984, 34 hours before
- Destination: LXL, LITTLE FALLS, MN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 21; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 65 total, 28 in this make and model, 40 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/bright
- Wind: 25° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 28 °F, dew point 25 °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 19841105059989A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841105059989A), Nov 5, 1984: Cessna 150M, Pillager, MN, Destroyed. Takeoff attempted uphill on wet field at night. Incorrect flap setting used for conditions. Struck trees.

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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