# NTSB NYC87FA095: Cessna 152C, N757BQ, Port Matilda, PA, February 22, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: February 22, 1987, 17:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Port Matilda, PA
- Coordinates: 40.789333, -78.049552 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.7893&lon=-78.0496&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report July 15, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30485
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC87FA095
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30485/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC87FA095

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - low pass - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE UNIVERSITY STUDENT DEPARTED THE UNIVERSITY AIR PARK AIRPORT IN STATE COLLEGE, PA ON A LOCAL FLIGHT IN VFR WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE AIRCRAFT NOSED INTO THE GROUND IN AN APPROXIMATE 70 DEGREE DIVE ABOUT 10 MINUTES AFTER TAKEOFF. THE PILOT WAS ENGAGED IN LOW FLIGHT OVER HIS PARENTS RESIDENCE FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAKING AN 'AIR DROP'. EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE DID NOT REVEAL ANY PRE-IMPACT FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS OF THE AIRCRAFT STRUCTURE, FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS OR POWERPLANT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N757BQ](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N757BQ-1989-01-12), registration cancelled 1989-01-12, S/N 15279613 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 152C
- Registry model: [Cessna 152](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-152) (registry code 2071835) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15279613
- Airframe hours: 2880
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235 108 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Nittany Aero Club,Inc.
- Registered owner: Nittany Aero Club Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, May 30, 1986, 477 hours before
- Departed: UNV, STATE COLLEGE, PA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 21; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 108 total, 71 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 100° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,800 ft overcast
- Temperature: 39 °F, dew point 21 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: IPT, 10 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 19870222082999A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870222082999A), Feb 22, 1987: Cessna 152, Port Matilda, PA, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Made a low pass over a residence. Pulled up in a steep left bank. Stalled, hit ground in near vertical attitude.

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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