# NTSB MIA85LA132: Cessna 150H, N6587S, Fort Pierce, FL, March 24, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 24, 1985, 16:23 local (21:23 UTC)
- Place: Fort Pierce, FL
- Location: 27.4256° N, 80.3404° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Fort Pierce, FL, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=27.4256&lon=-80.3404&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Unknown](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/990) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31377
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA85LA132
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31377/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA85LA132

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, unknown
  - carburetor heat control,cable/push-pull rod - failure,partial (cause)
- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, takeoff
  - aircraft preflight - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - checklist - not used, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with object, descent - uncontrolled
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

TAKEOFF RUN WAS REPORTED TO BE NORMAL. AFTER LIFT OFF THE AIRCRAFT WOULD NOT CLIMB AND ENGINE RPM WAS NOTICED TO BE 300 RPM LOW. THE AIRCRAFT DESCENDED AND STRUCK A PINE TREE AT THE END OF THE RUNWAY. THE AIRCRAFT WAS BEING OPERATED WITHIN 60 POUNDS OF THE MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT AND THE DENSITY ALTITIUDE WAS APRX 1200 FT. INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFT AFTER THE ACCIDENT REVEALED THE CARBURETOR HEAT CABLE HOUSING HAD BROKEN NOT ALLOWING THE CANLE TO MOVE THE HEAT VALVE TO THE CLOSED POSITION. THE ENGINE WAS RUN TO FULL POWER AND WITH NO EVIDENCE OF FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION. WHEN THE CARBURETOR HEAT HANDLE WAS PULLED ON THE ENGINE RPM DROPPED 300 RPM. WHEN THE CARBURETOR HEAT HANDLE WAS PUSHED TO COLD THE ENGINE RPM REMAINED 300 LOW.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N6587S (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150H
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15067387
- Airframe hours: 6657
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Charles A. York
- Registered owner: Carson Meyer
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 22, 1985, 3 hours before
- Departed: X38, FORT PIERCE, FL
- Airport: X38, Harry W. Nelson, runway 18, 2,000 × 100 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 100 total, 44 in this make and model, 60 as pilot in command, 26 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: VRB, 14 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 19850324011509A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850324011509A), Mar 24, 1985: Cessna 150H, Ft Pierce, FL, Substantial damage. Collided with trees, unable to climb. RPM low due to failed carburetor heat cable. Near gross weight at takeoff.

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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