# NTSB LAX84LA308: Cessna 150, N63357, Kernville, CA, May 19, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 19, 1984, 14:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Kernville, CA
- Coordinates: 35.730499, -118.389259 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.7305&lon=-118.3893&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24274
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84LA308
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24274/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84LA308

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, climb - to cruise
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - high terrain (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - mountain wave (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

AFTER TAKEOFF, THE PLT TOOK A DIRECT ROUTE (HEADING 150 DEG) & BEGAN CLIMBING TO 7500 FT TO CROSS OVER A 6300 FT PASS. HE ENCOUNTERED STRONG WINDS FROM THE NORTHEAST & STATED THAT HE 'EXPERIENCED SEVERE DOWNDRAFTS CAUSED BY MOUNTAIN WAVES.' THE PLT INITIATED A LEFT TURN, BUT THE ACFT'S LEFT WING STRUCK A TREETOP & THE PLANE CRASHED. THE ELEVATION OF THE CRASH SITE WAS ABOUT 6200 FT. THE PLT ESTIMATED THE WIND WAS GUSTING TO 50 KTS FROM THE NORTHEAST.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N63357](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N63357-1989-08-16), registration cancelled 1989-08-16, S/N 15077259 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150
- Registry model: [Cessna 150M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150m) (registry code 2071830) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15077259
- Airframe hours: 2700
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Jim Von Zabern
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 11, 1983, 55 hours before
- Departed: L05, KERNVILLE, CA
- Destination: MHV, MOJAVE, CA

## 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: 169 total, 115 in this make and model, 138 as pilot in command, 8 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19840519017999A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840519017999A), May 19, 1984: Cessna 150M, Kernville, CA, Destroyed. Pilot stated he encountered severe winds during climb to cruise altitude. Hit downdraft and crashed into trees.

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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