# NTSB LAX83LA384: Cessna 150K, N6379G, N. Palm Springs, CA, August 14, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 13, 1983, 19:57 local (Aug 14, 1983, 02:57 UTC)
- Place: N. Palm Springs, CA
- Coordinates: 33.920421, -116.560501 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.9204&lon=-116.5605&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23820
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83LA384
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23820/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83LA384

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - light condition - dusk (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED HE ORIGINALLY INTENDED TO FLY APRX 19 MI TO THE PALM SPRINGS ARPT TO PERFORM NIGHT LANDINGS TO ACQUIRE NIGHT CURRENCY. HOWEVER, DUE TO A RADIO MALFUNCTION, HE WAS UNABLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE CONTROL TOWER. THEREFORE, HE DECIDED TO RETURN TO HIS HOME IN YUCCA VALLEY. THE PLT ALSO REPORTED THAT HE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF CIRCLING NORTH OF PALM SPRINGS TO GAIN ALT WHEN THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH POWER LINES. IT COLLIDED WITH THE TOP WIRE OF AN INTRASTATE POWER TRANSMISSION LINE, APRX 100 FT AGL, THEN CRASHED. REPORTEDLY, THE PLT'S WIFE WAS WORKING IN A FAMILY OWNED RESTAURANT WITHIN 1/2 MI OF THE CRASH SITE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N6379G (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150K
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15071879
- Airframe hours: 4214
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: John F. Mc Guire
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, May 25, 1983, 3 hours before
- Departed: L22, YUCCA VALLEY, CA
- Destination: PSP, PALM SPRINGS, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 200 total, 60 in this make and model, 5 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 360° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 104 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: PSP, 6 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 19830813040939A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830813040939A), Aug 13, 1983: Cessna 150K, North Palm Spri, CA, Substantial damage. Aircraft collided with transmission line during low level flight and crashed.

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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