# NTSB GAA18CA235: Cessna 150, N23398, Statesville, NC, February 11, 2018 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: February 11, 2018, 14:00 local (18:00 UTC) - Place: Statesville, NC - Coordinates: 35.764999, -80.954444 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.7650&lon=-80.9544&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Landing: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report September 10, 2018 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: General Aviation Accidents - Parties: FAA - NTSB case key (mKey): 97124 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=GAA18CA235 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/97124/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=97124 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA235 ## Probable cause The pilot’s failure to maintain crosswind correction during landing and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s and flight instructor’s decision to land with gusting tailwinds. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Performance/control parameters: crosswind correction](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062030): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 150H, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062030/cases.md?model=2071818), [All aircraft, 184 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062030/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Student/instructed pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 150H, 19 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=2071818), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Action: delayed action](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041025): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Instructor/check pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 150H, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041025/cases.md?model=2071818), [All aircraft, 894 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041025/cases.md) - [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Student/instructed pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 150H, 11 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=2071818), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md) - [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Instructor/check pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 150H, 11 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=2071818), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md) - [Wind: tailwind](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034015): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Decision related to condition; cases with it: [Cessna 150H, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034015/cases.md?model=2071818), [All aircraft, 594 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034015/cases.md) - [Wind: crosswind](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Decision related to condition; cases with it: [Cessna 150H, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040/cases.md?model=2071818), [All aircraft, 1,008 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040/cases.md) - [Wind: gusts](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Decision related to condition; cases with it: [Cessna 150H, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md?model=2071818), [All aircraft, 1,199 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Landing: Other weather encounter](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400); cases with it: [Cessna 150H, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400/sequence.md?model=2071818), [All aircraft, 1,127 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400/sequence.md) - [Landing: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 150H, 11 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=2071818), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) - [Landing: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230); cases with it: [Cessna 150H, 11 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=2071818), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot receiving instruction's attorney reported that the pilot was performing routine pattern work; during landing, the airplane encountered turbulence and wind gusts. He added that, a strong gust of wind blew the right wing up, which pushed the airplane to the left side of the runway. Subsequently, the airplane came to rest partially off the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage. The attorney reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation system located at the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 200° at 12 knots, gusting to 18 knots. The pilot landed on runway 10. ## Factual narrative The pilot-receiving-instruction's attorney reported that, while performing routine pattern work, during landing, the airplane encountered turbulence and wind gusts. He added that, a strong gust of wind blew the right wing up, which pushed the airplane to the left side of the runway. Subsequently, the airplane came to rest partially off the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage. The attorney reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation system located at the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 200° at 12 knots, gusting to 18 knots. The pilot landed on runway 10. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N23398](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N23398), registered now, S/N 15068928, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA 150 (H) - Registry model: [Cessna 150H](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150h) (registry code 2071818) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 15068928 - Year built: 1968 - Airframe hours: 6562 - Engines: CONT MOTOR O-200 SERIES 100 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, June 1, 2017 - Departed: SVH, Statesville, NC - Destination: SVH, Statesville, NC - Airport: SVH, Statesville Rgnl, runway 10, 7,003 × 100 ft, asphalt - Equipment: None ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 21; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 1, without waivers/limitations; last flight review July 4, 2016; seat: left; restraint: lap only; flight hours: 248 total, 204 in this make and model, 240 as pilot in command, 10.1 in the last 90 days - Flight instructor; age 76; injuries: none; flight instructor, commercial, airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea, multi-engine land; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review November 8, 2017; seat: right; restraint: lap only; flight hours: 31,230 total, 565 in this make and model, 30,990 as pilot in command, 65 in the last 90 days, 47 in the last 30 days, 3.2 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 200° at 12 knots, gusting 18 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 2,000 ft overcast - Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 63 °F - Altimeter: 29.94 inHg - Observed at: KSVH ## 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 20180211006689A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20180211006689A), Feb 11, 2018: Cessna 150H, Statesville, NC, Substantial damage. During crosswind landing practice, aircraft encountered gust of wind on roll out that spun aircraft around. Aircraft made contact with unknown object (no… ## Other investigations on N23398 (1) 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. - [NTSB BFO92LA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO92LA001), Oct 18, 1991: Cessna 150H (N23398), Saluda, VA, substantial damage. Probable cause: THE PILOT'S DECISION TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF WITH INADEQUATE RUNWAY TO STOP. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE FAILURE OF THE EXHAUST MUFFLER BAFFLE. ## Docket (2 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on July 25, 2018, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=97124. 1.9 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 1.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40465430&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Accident Picture (Courtesy of FAA) (item 2, .PDF, 1 photo, 91 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40465431&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Accident%20Picture%20(Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.