# NTSB LAX85LA359: Cessna 150, N6900S, San Jose, CA, August 21, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 20, 1985, 20:18 local (Aug 21, 1985, 03:18 UTC)
- Place: San Jose, CA
- Coordinates: 37.33068, -121.770927 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.3307&lon=-121.7709&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24809
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85LA359
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24809/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85LA359

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel supply - disregarded, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED HE WAS ON THE DOWNWIND LEG OF THE TRAFFIC PATTERN WHEN THE ENGINE QUIT. HE WAS UNABLE TO GLIDE TO THE RUNWAY AND LANDED IN A CONSTRUCTION AREA WHERE THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH A DIRT PILE AND FLIPPED OVER. HE FURTHER STATED THAT HE HAD FLOWN A TOTAL OF 3:40 WHEN THE ENGINE QUIT. RECOVERY PERSONNEL FOUND NO FUEL IN THE LEFT FUEL TANK AND APPROXIMATELY 2 1.2 GALLONS FROM THE RIGHT FUEL TANK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6900S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6900S-1990-04-19), registration cancelled 1990-04-19, S/N 15067600 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150
- Registry model: [Cessna 150H](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150h) (registry code 2071818) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15067600
- Airframe hours: 4438
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Frank D. Rabourn
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Departed: RBL, RED BLUFF, CA
- Destination: RHV
- Airport: RHV, Reid Hillview, runway 21R, 3,101 × 75 ft, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 146 total, 135 in this make and model, 92 as pilot in command, 7 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 260° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 54 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: RHV

## 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 19850820039629A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850820039629A), Aug 20, 1985: Cessna 150H, San Jose, CA, Substantial damage. Ran out of fuel in the traffic pattern. Struck a mound of dirt and flipped over during the landing in a park.

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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