# NTSB FTW91LA021: Cessna 150E, N3956U, Amarillo, TX, December 7, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 7, 1990, 16:05 local (22:05 UTC)
- Place: Amarillo, TX
- Coordinates: 35.140563, -101.880767 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.1406&lon=-101.8808&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 14, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23295
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW91LA021
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23295/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91LA021

## Probable cause

AN UNDERPOWERED TAKEOFF ATTEMPT DUE TO INCORRECTLY SET MAGNETOS. CONTRIBUTING WAS THE TRANSMISSION LINES.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - ignition system,magneto - other (cause)
  - maintenance,annual inspection - improper, other maintenance personnel (cause)
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - maneuver - performed, pilot in command

## Analysis

DURING DEPARTURE FROM AN UNIMPROVED 1,800-FT GRASS AIRSTRIP, IN A HIGH GROSS WEIGHT AIRPLANE, THE LEFT WING CONTACTED THE GROUND AND THE AIRPLANE CARTWHEELED. THE PILOT WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN TO AVOID ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION LINES AT THE DEPARTURE END. THE AIRPLANE HAD JUST COMPLETED AN ANNUAL INSPECTION. BOTH MAGNETOS HAD BEEN INCORRECTLY SET TO 16 DEG BEFORE TOP DEAD CENTER. ACCORDING TO THE ENGINE MANUFACTURER THIS SETTING WOULD RESULT IN A POWER LOSS OF APRX 30%.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3956U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3956U-1990-12-07), registration cancelled 1990-12-07, S/N 15061356, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150E
- Registry model: [Cessna 150E](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150e) (registry code 2071812) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 5061356
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Conley, Charles

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 290 total, 250 in this make and model, 248 as pilot in command, 32 in the last 90 days, 19 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 320° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 52 °F, dew point 12 °F
- Observed at: AMA, 13 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 19901207053319A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19901207053319A), Dec 7, 1990: Cessna 150E, Amarillo, TX, Destroyed. Unable to clear powerline departing short strip. Banked low hit wing,cartwheeled. Mags set wrong. Over gross weight

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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