# NTSB LAX82FA269: Cessna 150M, N8288U, Orinda, CA, July 21, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 20, 1982, 18:45 local (Jul 21, 1982, 01:45 UTC)
- Place: Orinda, CA
- Coordinates: 37.889965, -122.190574 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.8900&lon=-122.1906&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report July 20, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72103
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX82FA269
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72103/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX82FA269

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - buzzing - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions (contributing factor)
  - fuel system,carburetor - ice (cause)
  - carburetor heat - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- Ditching, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - water,glassy

## Analysis

WHILE ENROUTE TO OAKLAND THE PLT REPORTED EXPERIENCING A LOSS OF CLIMBING POWER AT 2,000 FT NEAR THE SAN PABLO RESERVOIR. HE APPLIED CARB HEAT, CHECKED MIXTURE SETTING & PRIMER. HE THEN EXTENDED FULL FLAPS & RETARDED THE THROTTLE JUST PRIOR TO LANDING IN THE RESERVOIR. WITNESSES REPORTED THAT APPROXIMATELY 1 HR BEFORE THE ACCIDENT, THE SAME ACFT WAS OBSERVED GLIDING TOWARDS THE EAST END OF THE SHORE AT ABOUT 400 TO 600 FT ABOVE THE WATER. AS THE ACFT GLIDED OVER TREES AT THE EAST END POWER WAS APPLIED & THE ACFT BEGAN A SHALLOW CLIMB TOWARDS RICHMOND, CA. AT APPROXIMATELY 1830 WITNESSES ONCE AGAIN OBSERVED THE ACFT GLIDING TOWARD THE EAST END OF THE RESERVOIR AT AN ALTITUDE OF APPROXIMATELY 200 FT, ENTER A SHARP 180 DEGREE RIGHT TURN AND LAND IN THE RESERVOIR. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT'S ENGINE REVEALED NO PREIMPACT MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8288U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8288U-2013-02-27), registration cancelled 2013-02-27, S/N 15077912, 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: 15077912
- Airframe hours: 3252
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 105 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Flightways Academy, Inc.
- Registered owner: Flightways Academy, Inc.
- Departed: CCR, CONCORD, CA
- Destination: OAK, OAKLAND, CA
- Airport: OAK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 21; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 243 total, 137 in this make and model, 167 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Temperature: 149 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: OAK, 11 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 19820720035519A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820720035519A), Jul 20, 1982: Cessna 150M, Orinda, CA, Substantial damage. Pilot claims engine failed. Ditched in a lake. Engine checked normal. Witnesses saw airplane on 2 power off glides.

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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