# NTSB LAX94LA059: Cessna 150H, N22474, Dardanelle, CA, November 28, 1993 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: November 28, 1993, 10:30 local (18:30 UTC) - Place: Dardanelle, CA - Coordinates: 38.339942, -119.829399 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.3399&lon=-119.8294&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report September 26, 1994 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 28609 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX94LA059 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28609/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA059 ## Probable cause THE PILOT MISJUDGED THE LOCAL WEATHER. THE WIND CONDITIONS AND THE PILOT'S INABILITY TO COMPENSATE FOR THE STRONG DOWNDRAFT WIND CONDITIONS WERE FACTORS. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb - weather condition - windshear (contributing factor) - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor) - weather evaluation - misjudged, pilot in command (cause) - terrain condition - water,rough - compensation for wind conditions - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor) ## Analysis According to the pilot, he was familiar with the lake area which was located in a canyon. The pilot was aware that he could not see the far end of the lake nor the canyon area beyond the lake where he planned to climb out. Prior to taking off in the float-equipped airplane, the pilot recalled that he had looked in the distance and observed water that was a deeper blue in color. This indicated the presence of stronger winds. The pilot reported that he did not perceive this as being 'abnormal' because the wind pattern for the lake was for the up-canyon blowing winds to increase in strength in the midmorning. During initial climb, a previously hidden 'cell of virga' was encountered. The pilot stated that he turned away from the cell, but encountered strong turbulence and windshear which was accompanied by a downburst. Unable to arrest the sink rate, the airplane contacted the water in a 'high rate of descent.' ## Factual narrative On November 28, 1993, at 1030 Pacific standard time, a float equipped Cessna 150H, N22474, collided with rough water during initial climb from the Donnells Reservoir, near Dardanelle, California. The airplane was substantially damaged. Neither the airline transport pilot nor passenger was injured during the personal flight which was originating at the time of the mishap. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The pilot reported that prior to taking off he had looked in the distance and observed water that was a deeper blue color, and that color indicated the presence of strong winds. This was not perceived as being "abnormal" or any hazard to flight because the normal wind pattern for the lake was for the up-canyon blowing winds to increase in strength in the midmorning. The pilot further reported that initially the weather conditions appeared satisfactory for takeoff. However, he could not see the far end of the lake nor the canyon area beyond the lake where his climb would continue. During initial climb, a previously hidden "cell of virga" was encountered. The pilot stated that he turned away from the cell, but encountered strong turbulence and windshear which was accompanied by the downburst. Unable to arrest the sink rate, the airplane contacted the water in a "high rate of descent." The pilot further reported that he was familiar with the accident site area in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and he had frequently instructed there. No mechanical problems were experienced with the airplane. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N22474](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N22474-2011-08-10), registration cancelled 2011-08-10, S/N 15068305, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA 150H - Registry model: [Cessna 150H](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150h) (registry code 2071818) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 15068305 - Airframe hours: 5408 - Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Norcal Aviation - Registered owner: Robert Davids - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, October 1, 1993, 43 hours before - Destination: ANGELS CAMP, CA ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 27; airline transport, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 2,868 total, 476 in this make and model, 2,768 as pilot in command, 202 in the last 90 days, 64 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 0° at 20 knots - Visibility: 15 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 4,000 ft broken - Temperature: 45 °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 19931128044589A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19931128044589A), Nov 28, 1993: Cessna 150H, Dardanelle, CA, Substantial damage. Encountered windshear and severe downdraft after water takeoff. Unable arrest high sink rate. Impacted the water. ## Other investigations on N22474 (1) 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. - [NTSB LAX96LA225](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96LA225), Jun 12, 1996: Cessna 150H (N22474), Angels Camp, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The attempt by the pilot to operate the aircraft with a float known to be leaking. A factor was the pilot's lack of experience in the operation of float equipped aircraft. 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.