# NTSB LAX89LA138: Cessna 150M, N7592U, Mesa, AZ, March 29, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 28, 1989, 19:06 local (Mar 29, 1989, 02:06 UTC)
- Place: Mesa, AZ
- Coordinates: 33.429214, -111.70935 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.4292&lon=-111.7094&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report June 28, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26360
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX89LA138
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26360/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA138

## Probable cause

INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT BY THE PILOT, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN THE PROPER ALTITUDE.  FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE:  THE PILOT'S LACK OF VISUAL PERCEPTION AT DUSK, THE TRANSMISSION LINE, AND THE OBSTRUCTIONS (TREE & FENCE) IN THE EMERGENCY LANDING AREA.

## 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)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual/aural perception, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - object - fence post (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PLT RPRTD THAT DURING FLT, SOMETHING SUDDENLY SMASHED THE WINDSHIELD. HE SAID HE TEMPORARILY LOST CONTROL OF THE ACFT, THEN REGAINED IT AT LOW ALTITUDE. HE WAS HAVING TROUBLE MAINTAINING ALTITUDE & OPTED TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN A PICNIC AREA.  DURING THE LANDING, THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH A TREE & A FENCE POST.  AN INSPN OF THE ACFT REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF A BIRD STRIKE.  HOWEVER, THERE WAS AN INDENTATION THAT RAN ALONE THE LEADING EDGE OF THE LEFT WIND & ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD.  THERE WAS NO RPRTD TRANSMISSION WIRE DAMAGE, BUT WITNESSES IN THE AREA RPRTD SEEING AN ACFT FLYING AT LOW LEVEL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7592U](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7592U), registered now, S/N 15077759, 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: 15077759
- Airframe hours: 1568
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Tidd, Robert L
- Registered owner: Stern, Anton Jr.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: FFZ, MESA, AZ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: left; flight hours: 244 total, 105 in this make and model, 33 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 220° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °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 19890328004969A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890328004969A), Mar 28, 1989: Cessna 150M, Mesa, AZ, Substantial damage. Pilot reported something hit windshield. Hit trees on precautionary landing. Observed flying low. Possible wire strike

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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