# NTSB MIA89LA037: Cessna 150J, N61317, San Juan, PR, November 18, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 18, 1988, 16:03 local (20:03 UTC)
- Place: San Juan, PR
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 29, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 32361
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA89LA037
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/32361/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA89LA037

## 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
  - engine assembly - undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Ditching, landing
  - terrain condition - water

## Analysis

THE ACFT DEPARTED, ENTERED LEFT DOWNWIND LEG FOR TOUCH-AND-GO LANDINGS. WHEN AT MIDFIELD DOWNWIND, THE INSTRUCTOR PLT STATED THE ENG QUIT & HE WAS UNABLE TO RESTART IT. THE ACFT CONTINUED DOWNWIND MOMENTARILY THEN THE INSTRUCTOR PLT TURNED THE ACFT TO LAND AT THE ARPT. UNABLE TO REACH IT, THE ACFT WAS DITCHED APRX 1 MILE FROM THE RWY. THE ACFT WAS NOT RECOVERED THEREFORE NO DETERMINATION COULD BE MADE AS THE REASON FOR THE REPORTED ENG FAILURE. THE INSTRUCTOR STATED THAT WHEN THE ENGINE STOPPED PRODUCING POWER THE PROPELLER CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N61317](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N61317-2003-05-01), registration cancelled 2003-05-01, S/N 15070960, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150J
- Registry model: [Cessna 150J](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150j) (registry code 2071820) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15070960
- Airframe hours: 13095
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Isla Grande Flying School, Inc
- Registered owner: Isla Grande Dlying School
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: 100 hour, May 7, 1988, 58 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 23; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 626 total, 154 in this make and model, 490 as pilot in command, 91 in the last 90 days, 68 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 110° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SJU, 7 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 19881118051439A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19881118051439A), Nov 18, 1988: Cessna 150J, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Substantial damage. Reported engine failed on downwind and prop stopped turning. Ditched in ocean 1 mile offshore. Aircraft sank.

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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