# NTSB FTW85FA306: Cessna A150M, N9807J, Levelland, TX, August 6, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: August 6, 1985, 15:15 local (20:15 UTC)
- Place: Levelland, TX
- Coordinates: 33.570003, -102.360115 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.5700&lon=-102.3601&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21565
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW85FA306
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21565/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85FA306

## Sequence of events

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

- Abrupt maneuver, takeoff
  - aircraft handling - above, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - stall/spin - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - induction air control,cable - loose (cause)
  - maintenance,inspection - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - maintenance,inspection - improper, copilot/second pilot (cause)
  - flt control syst,elevator control - loss,total (cause)
  - lift-off - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - elevator - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT HAD BEEN OBSERVED TO MAKE TAKEOFFS USING MAXIMUM UP ELEVATOR FOR LIFTOFF. THE ELEVATOR WAS FOUND IN A NINETEEN DEGREE UP POSITION AND BOTH THE LEFT HORIZONTAL STABILIZER AND ELEVATOR WERE BENT UPWARD AT THE TIP. THE DOWN ELEVATOR CLEVIS WAS OBSERVED JAMMED AGAINST A SECTION OF BULKHEAD PREVENTING THE PILOT FROM UTILIZING NOSE DOWN ELEVATOR PRIOR TO IMPACT. THE ACFT STALLED AND FELL INTO A NOSE DOWN LEFT SPIN, WHICH CONTINUED TO IMPACT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9807J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9807J-1989-03-14), registration cancelled 1989-03-14, S/N A1500616 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA A150M
- Registry model: [Cessna A150M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-a150m) (registry code 2071831) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: A1500616
- Airframe hours: 1733
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: William C. Dorvillier
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic
- Last inspection: Annual, July 1, 1985, 37 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 248 total, 248 in this make and model, 194 as pilot in command, 7 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19850806036829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850806036829A), Aug 6, 1985: Cessna A150M, Levelland, TX, Destroyed. Spun to impact shortly after takeoff. Elevator down clevis cable jammed against bulkhead. Noted for steep climbs.

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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