# NTSB CHI90LA186: Cessna 152 II, N21LA, Grand Marais, MN, July 14, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 14, 1990, 17:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Grand Marais, MN
- Coordinates: 47.750507, -90.339828 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.7505&lon=-90.3398&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report November 23, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14715
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI90LA186
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14715/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI90LA186

## Probable cause

UNDETERMINED PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DURING THE INITIAL CLIMBOUT. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR A FORCED LANDING.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - maintenance,overhaul,major - not performed, company/operator management
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - high vegetation

## Analysis

THE PRIVATE PILOT STATED THAT THE AIRPLANE PERFORMED NORMALLY DURING THE RUN-UP, TAKEOFF, CLIMBOUT, AND A BRIEF LOCAL FLIGHT. SHE RETURNED TO THE TRAFFIC PATTERN FOR LANDINGS. SHE REPORTED THAT DURING CLIMBOUT AFTER THE FIRST TOUCH AND GO, SHE NOTICED A 'SEVERE LACK OF POWER IN THE ENGINE.' SHE WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE, AND THE AIRPLANE DESCENDED INTO A WOODED AREA. THE PILOT STATED THAT THE ENGINE REMAINED RUNNING AT REDUCED RPM UNTIL GROUND IMPACT. THE PILOT REPORTED A TOTAL FLIGHT TIME OF 80 HOURS, INCLUDING 78 HOURS IN THE ACCIDENT MAKE AND MODEL AIRPLANE. THE ENGINE HAD 2,960 HOURS TOTAL TIME, AND HAD NEVER BEEN OVERHAULED. THE CAUSE OF THE PARTIAL LOSS OF POWER WAS NOT DETERMINED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N21LA](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N21LA-2009-02-13), registration cancelled 2009-02-13, S/N 15279587, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 152 II
- Registry model: [Cessna 152](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-152) (registry code 2071835) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15279587
- Airframe hours: 2960
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 110 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Turners Skyport Lodge
- Last inspection: 100 hour, March 31, 1990, 52 hours before
- Airport: GRM, Grand Marais, runway 9, 2,800 × 60 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 80 total, 78 in this make and model, 52 as pilot in command, 7 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 30° at 5 knots, gusting 10
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 4,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 61 °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 19900714025719A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900714025719A), Jul 14, 1990: Cessna 152, Grand Marais, MN, Substantial damage. Unable to obtain full power on takeoff descended into trees off end of runway. No cause found,possible carb icing.

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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