# NTSB NYC85LA121: Cessna 150M, N3550V, Hancock, MA, May 10, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 10, 1985, 17:45 local (21:45 UTC)
- Place: Hancock, MA
- Location: 42.5431° N, 73.3237° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Hancock, MA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.5431&lon=-73.3237&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35871
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC85LA121
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35871/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC85LA121

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rising (contributing factor)
  - proper climb rate - not possible
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACFT WAS UNDER CONTRACT TO THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT. IT WAS BEING USED FOR AERIAL OBSERVATION OF FOREST FIRES & FOR THE DISPOSITION OF GROUND FIRE FIGHTING PERSONEL & EQUIPMENT. THE PLT REPORTED THAT WHILE HE WAS ATTEMPTING TO FIND A SUITABLE ACCESS ROAD, THE LANDING GEAR CONTACTED THE TOPS OF TREES. HE STATED THAT THE TERRAIN ROSE FASTER THAN THE ACFT WOULD CLIMB.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N3550V (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150M
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15076544
- Airframe hours: 2467
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Public aircraft, Part 91
- Operator: Burton Holden
- Registered owner: Durton D. Holden
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 26, 1984
- Departed: TURNER FALLS, MA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 70; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 776 total, 177 in this make and model, 34 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 70 °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 19850510016549A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850510016549A), May 10, 1985: Cessna 150M, Hancock, MA, Substantial damage. Wheels contacted tree tops as terrain rose faster than the aircrafts capability to climb.

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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