# NTSB FTW85LA316: Cessna 150M, N714DM, Mcallen, TX, August 12, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 12, 1985, 11:25 local (16:25 UTC)
- Place: Mcallen, TX
- Coordinates: 26.210577, -98.230224 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.2106&lon=-98.2302&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21822
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW85LA316
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21822/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85LA316

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - fluid,fuel - contamination (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - starvation
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Overrun, landing - flare/touchdown
  - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor)
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACFT LOST ENG PWR WHILE ON DOWNWIND FOR RWY 12. THE PLT WAS CLEARED TO LAND ON ANY RWY AND HE CHOSE RWY 36. (THE SOUTH END OF THIS RWY JOINS RWY 13 AT MIDFIELD). HOWEVER, A STRONG TAIL WIND PREVAILED AND THE ACFT WAS HIGH AND FAST. IT TOUCHED DOWN ON RWY 36, BOUNCED, OVERSHOT THE RWY, AND HIT THREE PALM TREES BEFORE COMING TO REST IN AN AUTOMOBILE PARKING LOT 300 FT BEYOND THE DEPARTURE END OF RWY 36. THE ACFT REPORTEDLY HAD SAT IDLE FOR ABOUT 15 MONTHS BEFORE ITS RECENT PURCHASE BY THE PRESENT OWNERS. POST ACCIDENT EXAMINATION OF THE ACFT'S FUEL SYSTEM REVEALED CONTAMINATION BY WATER AND A SOFT CHALKY LIKE UNKNOWN SUBSTANCE WHICH HAD BLOCKED SOME OF THE FUEL PASSAGES IN THE ACFT'S CARBURETOR.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N714DM](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N714DM-2012-08-14), registration cancelled 2012-08-14, S/N 15079096, built 1976 (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: 15079096
- Airframe hours: 3267
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Avitech, Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 15, 1985, 24 hours before
- Airport: MFE, Miller Int'L, runway 13, 7,103 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 518 total, 75 in this make and model, 397 as pilot in command, 39 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 15,000 ft broken
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19850812071699A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850812071699A), Aug 12, 1985: Cessna 150M, Mc Allen, TX, Substantial damage. Engine lost power in pattern. Struck trees after overshooting on downwind landing. Carburetor blocked by sludge.

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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