# NTSB DEN88LA147: Cessna 150C, N7940Z, Fort Peck, MT, July 12, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 12, 1988, 11:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Fort Peck, MT
- Coordinates: 48.011925, -106.44546 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.0119&lon=-106.4455&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report July 21, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17495
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN88LA147
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17495/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN88LA147

## Sequence of events

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

- Abrupt maneuver, takeoff - initial climb
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT MADE A TAKEOFF FROM A MUDDY, DIRT, ROAD. HE SAID THAT AFTER HE BECOME AIRBORNE HE PUT HIS AIRCRAFT INTO A SHARP TURN IN ORDER TO AVOID SOME POWER LINES. ALTHOUGH HE WAS SUCCESSFUL IN AVOIDING THE POWER LINES, HE INADVERTENTLY STALLED THE AIRCRAFT AND WAS UNABLE TO RECOVER BEFORE IMPACT WITH THE GROUND. HE FURTHER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH HIS AIRCRAFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7940Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7940Z-2013-05-09), registration cancelled 2013-05-09, S/N 15060040, built 1963 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150C
- Registry model: [Cessna 150C](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150c) (registry code 2071808) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15060040
- Airframe hours: 4418
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Rabenberg, John R
- Registered owner: Rabenberg, John R.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 6, 1987, 93 hours before
- Departed: NONE
- Destination: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 6,700 total, 2,100 in this make and model, 6,700 as pilot in command, 50 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °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 19880712026479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880712026479A), Jul 12, 1988: Cessna 150C, Fort Peck, MT, Substantial damage. Took off from a ranch road. Stalled on climbout trying to avoid powerlines. Turn was too steep for flying speed.

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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