# NTSB NYC86LA224: Cessna 150, N3649J, Butler, PA, August 31, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 31, 1986, 15:50 local (19:50 UTC)
- Place: Butler, PA
- Coordinates: 40.859222, -79.890197 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.8592&lon=-79.8902&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30414
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC86LA224
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30414/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC86LA224

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - fuel system - water (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - in flight, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

A LOSS OF ENG POWER WAS EXPERIENCED SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF AT AN ALT OF APRX 400 FT AGL. THE ACFT CONTACTED WIRES AND DESCENDED UNCONTROLLED TO TERRAIN IMPACT DURING THE FORCED LANDING DESCENT. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION OF THE ACFT REVEALED APRX 4 OUNCES OF WATER IN THE GASCOLATOR. THE PLT STATED HE FAILED TO DRAIN THE FIREWALL GASCOLATOR DURING PREFLIGHT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N3649J (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15064949
- Airframe hours: 2427
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: John C. Mclaughin
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 26, 1984, 189 hours before
- Departed: BUTLER, PA
- Airport: BTP, Butler Co.

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 305 total, 305 in this make and model, 305 as pilot in command, 5 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19860831043359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860831043359A), Aug 31, 1986: Cessna 150G, Butler, PA, Destroyed. Engine lost power on takeoff. Aircraft collided with wires and crashed inverted. Found water in fuel.

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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