# NTSB FTW90FA181: Cessna 152, N69137, Blue Ridge, TX, September 14, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: September 14, 1990, 12:15 local (17:15 UTC)
- Place: Blue Ridge, TX
- Location: 33.2984° N, 96.3988° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Blue Ridge, TX, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.2984&lon=-96.3988&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report December 4, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23043
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW90FA181
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23043/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW90FA181

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S DECISION TO PERFORM BUZZING TYPE MANEUVERS, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - buzzing - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - maneuver - initiated, pilot in command
  - airspeed - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - tree(s)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

DURING FLIGHT, THE PILOT FLEW A SERIES OF LOW LEVEL PATTERNS AROUND A FRIEND'S HOME.  DURING A MANEUVER, THE AIRCRAFT'S NOSE WAS OBSERVED TO PITCH UP & SUDDENLY DROP DOWN.  THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED SEVERAL LARGE TREES BEFORE IMPACTING THE GROUND IN A NOSE DOWN ATTITUDE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N69137](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N69137-2002-11-04), registration cancelled 2002-11-04, S/N 15282507, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 152
- Registry model: [Cessna 152](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-152) (registry code 2071835) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15282507
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 110 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Ivey, James, doing business as Mckinney Flyers
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Departed: TKI, MCKINNEY, TX
- Airport: NONE

## 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.; toxicology performed; flight hours: 189 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Observed at: GVT, 40 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 19900914039639A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900914039639A), Sep 14, 1990: Cessna 152, Blue Ridge, TX, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Pulled up steeply after buzzing friends residence. Stalled and dived into trees and buildings.

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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