# NTSB CHI95LA135: Cessna 150F, N8291S, Napoleon, MI, April 24, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 24, 1995, 18:15 local (22:15 UTC)
- Place: Napoleon, MI
- Coordinates: 42.190238, -84.300117 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.1902&lon=-84.3001&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 24, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 9876
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI95LA135
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/9876/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI95LA135

## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to retract the wing flaps prior to takeoff and the subsequent failure of the airplane to climb during takeoff.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb
  - raising of flaps - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - climb - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall/mush

## Analysis

THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO TAKEOFF FROM A PRIVATE FIELD WITH 40 DEGREES OF FLAPS EXTENDED.  THE AIRPLANE WOULD NOT CLIMB AND IT SETTLED INTO A MARSH AREA OFF THE END OF THE FIELD.

## Factual narrative

On April 24, 1995, about 1815 eastern daylight time (EDT), a Cessna 150F, N8291S, settled into a marsh area during takeoff from a private field in Napoleon, Michigan.  The airplane was substantially damaged.  The private pilot was not injured.  The sole passenger aboard the airplane received minor injuries.  No flight plan was filed, and visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight.

The pilot stated he had been practicing takeoffs and landings at several local airstrips.  He then landed at the private field.    He reported that after landing, he failed to retract the flaps.  During a subsequent takeoff, he stated, that the airplane would not climb after takeoff.  It crossed a road and settled to the terrain in a marsh area.

Examination of the airplane revealed the wing flaps were extended and jammed in the 40 degree extended position.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8291S](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8291S), registered now, S/N 15061891, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150F
- Registry model: [Cessna 150F](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150f) (registry code 2071814) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15061891
- Airframe hours: 3686
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Branford Hart
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Airport: Private Field

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 557 total, 9 in this make and model, 528 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 6,500 ft broken
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 30 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: JXN, 11 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 19950424048089A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950424048089A), Apr 24, 1995: Cessna 150F, Napoleon, MI, No damage. (-23) Aircraft departed a private airport on wheaton rd, Napoleon, MI and crashed in a marsh on the opposite side of wheaton rd from the airport. One person,…

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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