# NTSB LAX83LA231: Cessna 150M, N63404, Bakersfield, CA, May 15, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 14, 1983, 18:30 local (May 15, 1983, 01:30 UTC)
- Place: Bakersfield, CA
- Coordinates: 35.339275, -119.070602 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.3393&lon=-119.0706&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23712
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83LA231
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23712/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83LA231

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - proper glidepath - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose over, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH A POWERLINE WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH AND NOSED OVER IN A OPEN FIELD ONE HALF MILE SHORT OF THE RUNWAY. THE PILOT HAD FLOWN INTO THIS ARPT THE MORNING OF THE ACCIDENT AS A PAX. SHE DECIDED TO DO SOME TAKEOFFS AND LANDINGS, LOCAL PILOTS WARNED HER ABOUT THE POWERLINE BEFORE HER DEPARTURE. DURING HER 1ST PATTERN SHE TURNED BASE INSIDE OF A POWERLINE 3/4 MILE FROM THE RUNWAY AND THOUGHT THIS WAS THE ONLY LINE. SHE BECAME OVERLY CONCERNED WITH CORRECTING AN OVERSHOOT OF THE WIND LINE ON FINAL AND DID NOT SEE THE SECOND SET OF WIRES 1/2 MILE FROM THE RUNWAY. THESE WIRES ARE ABOUT 65 FT HIGH. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT THE WIRE CONTACTED THE NOSE GEAR STRUT AND THE ACFT NOSED DOWN INTO A PLOWED FIELD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N63404](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N63404-2013-04-29), registration cancelled 2013-04-29, S/N 15077288, built 1975 (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: 77288
- Airframe hours: 2356
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Huntington Beach Flying Club
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 3, 1983, 36 hours before
- Airport: 4L8, Costerisan Farms, runway 34, 2,200 × 40 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 90 total, 90 in this make and model, 51 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 37 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BFL, 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 19830514019389A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830514019389A), May 14, 1983: Cessna 150M, Bakersfield, CA, Substantial damage. Too low on final, nose gear struck wire. Crashed nose down in a field short on the runway. Possible downdraft.

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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