# NTSB ERA14CA366: Cessna 150M, N66358, Waterloo, NY, July 29, 2014

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: July 29, 2014, 12:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Waterloo, NY
- Coordinates: 42.849998, -76.849723 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.8500&lon=-76.8497&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Approach-VFR pattern final: Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/120)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 2, 2014
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation
- Parties: FAA/FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 89763
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA14CA366
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/89763/pdf
- NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=89763
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14CA366

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from obstructions while on approach to the runway.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Info processing/decision: identification/recognition](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041510): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 150M, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041510/cases.md?model=2071830), [All aircraft, 559 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041510/cases.md)
- [Performance/control parameters: altitude](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 150M, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md?model=2071830), [All aircraft, 1,310 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md)
- [Object/animal/substance: wire](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Cessna 150M, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032/cases.md?model=2071830), [All aircraft, 588 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Approach-VFR pattern final: Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/120) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 150M, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/120/sequence.md?model=2071830), [All aircraft, 1,074 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/120/sequence.md)
- [Uncontrolled descent: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Cessna 150M, 39 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=2071830), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md)

## Analysis

Prior to departing on the flight, the pilot referenced the Airport/Facility Directory and noted that one of the runways at the destination airport had a displaced threshold. He subsequently departed, and entered the traffic pattern to land on the 2,275-foot turf runway 28, approaching the end with the displaced threshold. The pilot became concerned with the runway's relatively short length, and on final approach, increased the airplane's descent angle in order to use as much of the runway as possible. While on short final approach, the pilot suddenly observed marked power lines that ran perpendicular to the runway, across the threshold, and immediately thereafter one of the main landing gear wheels struck the wire. The airplane then yawed to the left and pitched nose-down. The pilot attempted to correct the upset, but the airplane subsequently struck the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe. The power lines were depicted in airport information.

## Factual narrative

Prior to departing on the flight, the pilot referenced the Airport/Facility Directory and noted that one of the runways at the destination airport had a displaced threshold. He subsequently departed, and entered the traffic pattern to land on the 2,275-foot turf runway 28, approaching the end with the displaced threshold. The pilot became concerned with the runway's relatively short length, and on final approach, increased the airplane's descent angle in order to use as much of the runway as possible. While on short final approach, the pilot suddenly observed marked power lines that ran perpendicular to the runway, across the threshold, and immediately thereafter one of the main landing gear wheels struck the wire. The airplane then yawed to the left and pitched nose-down. The pilot attempted to correct the upset, but the airplane subsequently struck the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe. The power lines were depicted in airport information.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N66358](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N66358-2016-02-19), registration cancelled 2016-02-19, S/N 15075993, built 1974 (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: 15075993
- Year built: 1974
- Airframe hours: 12522
- Engines: Continental O-200 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Bux Aviation LLC
- Registered owner: Bux Aviation LLC
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 1, 2014, 18 hours before
- Departed: NK74, AURORA, NY
- Destination: D93, Waterloo, NY
- Airport: D93, Airtrek, runway 28, 2,275 × 85 ft, grass/turf
- Equipment: Stall warning system

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, without waivers/limitations; last flight review November 11, 2012; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 148.6 total, 139.6 in this make and model, 66 as pilot in command, 16.7 in the last 90 days, 4.5 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 5,500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 29.95 inHg
- Observed at: KPEO, 15 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 20140729014409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20140729014409A), Jul 29, 2014: Cessna 150M, Waterloo, NY, Substantial damage. On 7/29/2014 while attempting to land on runway 28 at Airtrek Airport, Waterloo, NY (D93), aircraft N66358 struck power wires that run parallel to route 96…

## Docket (6 files)

The files NTSB released with the investigation on August 20, 2014, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=89763. 13.7 MB in all.

- Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 2.3 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40415237&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF
- Pilot Interview Summary (item 2, .PDF, 133 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40415238&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%20Interview%20Summary-Master.PDF
- Photo 1 - Main Wreckage (Photo Courtesy of FAA) (item 3, .PDF, 3.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40415239&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201%20-%20Main%20Wreckage%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF
- Photo 2 - Left Wing (Photo Courtesy of FAA) (item 4, .PDF, 1.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40415240&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%202%20-%20Left%20Wing%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF
- Photo 3 - Wires at Runway Threshold (Photo Courtesy of FAA) (item 5, .PDF, 3.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40415241&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%203%20-%20Wires%20at%20Runway%20Threshold%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF
- Photo 4 - Runway From Threshold (Photo Courtesy of FAA) (item 6, .PDF, 3.4 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40415242&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%204%20-%20Runway%20From%20Threshold%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF

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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