# NTSB LAX85FA328: Cessna 150G, N2209J, Columbia, CA, July 22, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 21, 1985, 21:15 local (Jul 22, 1985, 04:15 UTC)
- Place: Columbia, CA
- Coordinates: 38.109523, -120.379119 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.1095&lon=-120.3791&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24526
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85FA328
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24526/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85FA328

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - wrong runway - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - engine assembly,ring - incorrect (contributing factor)
  - maintenance,installation - improper, other maintenance personnel (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

ON JULY 21, 1985 AT ABOUT 2115 HOURS P.D.T., CESSNA 150, N2209J, REGISTERED TO LAURENCE P. THOMPSON, AUBURN, CALIFORNIA,AND OPERATED BY SUNSHINE FLYERS, INC., AUBURN, CALIFORNIA, CRASHED AFTER COLLIDING WITH SOME TREES ABOUT 1 MILE NORTH NORTHWEST OF COLUMBIA AIRPORT (022), COLUMBIA, CALIFORNIA. THE AIRCRAFT DEPARTED RUNWAY 35 ON A VISUAL FLIGHT RULES PERSONAL FLIGHT TO AUBURN MUNICIPAL AIRPORT (AUN), AUBURN, CALIFORNIA. NO FLIGHT PLAN WAS FILED; NOR WAS ONE REQUIRED. THE AIRCRAFT WAS DESTROYED BY IMPACT/POST-IMPACT FIRE. THE TOPS OF TWO TREES SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. THE CERTIFICATED COMMERCIAL PILOT/FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR AND THE SOLE PASSENGER ABOARD THE ABOARD THE AIRCRAFT SUSTAINED FATAL INJURIES. VISUAL METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS PREVAILED AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THE FLIGHT HAD ORIGINATED AT 022 AT ABOUT 2114 HOURS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N2209J (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150G
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 65409
- Airframe hours: 5727
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200 SERIES 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Laurence Paul Thompson
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 23, 1985, 1 hours before
- Departed: 022, COLUMBIA, CA
- Destination: AUN, AUBURN, CA
- Airport: 022, Columbia, runway 35, 4,277 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane, helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 263 in this make and model, 52 in the last 90 days, 13 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F

## 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 19850721049209A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850721049209A), Jul 21, 1985: Cessna 150G, Columbia, CA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Struck trees after uphill takeoff into rising terrain. Low cylinder compression, worn spark plugs and valve seats.

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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