# NTSB FTW89FA015: Cessna A150K, N5913J, Flint, TX, November 6, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: November 6, 1988, 15:10 local (21:10 UTC)
- Place: Flint, TX
- Coordinates: 32.199531, -95.389816 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.1995&lon=-95.3898&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report July 18, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22752
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW89FA015
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22752/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89FA015

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, maneuvering
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - buzzing - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
  - procedures/directives - disregarded, pilot in command (cause)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with object, descent - uncontrolled
  - object - tree(s)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE AIRPLANE WAS OBSERVED FLYING ON AN EASTERLY HEADING AT LOW ALTITUDE, WITH THE PROPELLER STOPPED. ONE OF THE WITNESSES SAID THE AIRPLANE WAS GLIDING TOWARD HIM AND WHEN CLOSE HE STARTED RUNNING AWAY. HE SAID THE AIRPLANE ABRUPTLY TURNED LEFT AND WENT STRAIGHT DOWN, NOSE FIRST, AND HIT THE GROUND. DAMAGE TO THE PROPELLER INDICATED ROTATION AT IMPACT. TWO BOYS IN THE AREA TOLD AUTHORITIES THE PILOT HAD BEEN TURNING THE ENGINE OFF AND ON FOR QUITE SOME TIME. TOX REPORT INDICATED TRACE AMOUNTS OF METABOLITE OF COCAINE IN THE PILOT'S URINE, BUT COCAINE WAS NOT FOUND IN THE PILOT'S BLOOD. THE LEVEL OF METABOLITE WAS BELOW THAT WHICH COULD BE QUANTIFIED, THEREFORE NO RELATIONSHIP TO THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT COULD BE DETERMINED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5913J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5913J-2013-09-19), registration cancelled 2013-09-19, S/N A1500213, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA A150K
- Registry model: [Cessna A150K](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-a150k) (registry code 2071824) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: A1500213
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Bailes, Terry
- Registered owner: Royall Acft Restoration Co.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic
- Last inspection: Annual, February 20, 1988
- Departed: BERRYVILLE, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 22; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 420 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 36 °F
- 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 19881106049439A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19881106049439A), Nov 6, 1988: Cessna A150K, Flint, TX, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Was observed low flying in area and heard to turn engine off and on prior to stall and crash. Cocaine test positive

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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