# NTSB LAX91LA055: Cessna 150G, N4651X, Fresno, CA, December 14, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 14, 1990, 10:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Fresno, CA
- Coordinates: 36.749038, -119.669738 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.7490&lon=-119.6697&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report February 12, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27077
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA055
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27077/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA055

## Probable cause

THE PILOTS INTENTIONAL FLIGHT INTO KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE FOGGY WEATHER CONDITIONS; SPATIAL DISORIENTATION; AND THE PILOT'S OVER CONFIDENCE IN HIS OWN PERSONAL ABILITY.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, climb - to cruise
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - vfr flight into imc - attempted, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - spatial disorientation, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE NON-INSTRUMENT RATED PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING TO FLY UNDER VISUAL FLIGHT RULES. THE WEATHER, AT THE AIRPORT OF DEPARTURE, WAS BELOW MINIMUMS REQUIRED FOR FLIGHT UNDER VISUAL RULES. THE AIRCRAFT WAS REPORTED MISSING BY FAMILY MEMBERS THE DAY AFTER THE AIRCRAFT TOOK OFF. AFTER A LENGTHY SEARCH BY CIVIL AIR PATROL PERSONNEL, THE AIRCRAFT'S WRECKAGE WAS FOUND IN A POND NEAR THE AIRPORT OF DEPARTURE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4651X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4651X-2012-12-11), registration cancelled 2012-12-11, S/N 15064701, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150G
- Registry model: [Cessna 150G](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150g) (registry code 2071816) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15064701
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O200A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Owens, Bruce H.
- Departed: Q60
- Destination: HWD, HAYWARD, CA
- Airport: Q60, Sierra Sky Park, runway 30, 2,920 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; toxicology performed; flight hours: 150 total, 25 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: FAT, 10 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 19901214055619A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19901214055619A), Dec 14, 1990: Cessna 150G, Fresno, CA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. VFR pilot took off in near zero IMC and crashed into a pond during climbout. Was taking flu medication.

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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