# NTSB MKC85LA026: Cessna 150, N4561U, Van Buren, MO, November 24, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 24, 1984, 16:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Van Buren, MO
- Coordinates: 36.999046, -91.009292 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.9990&lon=-91.0093&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33892
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC85LA026
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33892/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC85LA026

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
  - planned approach - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - sunglare (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - object - approach light/navaid (contributing factor)
  - wrong runway - selected, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

PLT STATED THAT WHILE ON APPROACH INTO SETTING SUN, HE FAILED TO SEE A TREE AND THE WINDSOCK TOWER DUE TO SUNGLARE, COLLIDING WITH BOTH BEFORE IMPACT WITH THE GROUND. THE WINDSOCK WAS LOCATED 200 FT NORTH OF THE RWY. WINDS WERE CALM AND RECIPROCAL RWY WAS AVAILABLE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N4561U (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15060561
- Airframe hours: 2530
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: David L. Stevenson
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 30, 1984, 6 hours before
- Departed: MO47, VAN BUREN, MO
- Airport: M072, Flying "J" Ranch, runway 26, 2,600 × 100 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 47 total, 47 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °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 19841124064399A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841124064399A), Nov 24, 1984: Cessna 150D, Van Buren, MO, Destroyed. On final,pilots vision obscured by sun. Collided with tree, windsock pole, then ground.

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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