# NTSB SEA05LA002: Cessna 150G, N3086R, Augusta, MT, October 2, 2004

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 2, 2004, 09:55 local (15:55 UTC)
- Place: Augusta, MT
- Coordinates: 47.481388, -112.86972
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.4814&lon=-112.8697&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report April 28, 2005
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: FAA FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 60278
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA05LA002
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/60278/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA05LA002

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate obstacle clearance which resulted in the in-flight collision with rising terrain.  Trees and rising terrain are factors in the accident.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, descent - uncontrolled
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

Shortly after takeoff the airplane collided with trees and rising terrain.  In a written statement the pilot reported the airplane collided with trees and rising terrain after departing runway 12.  He reported that the airplane cleared trees (approximately 50 feet in height) located at the end of the departure runway, however, the aircraft made contact with multiple trees and rising terrain beyond the departure end of the runway.  The pilot stated "we hit trees for 150 yards before slowing enough to hit the ground."  The published airport elevation for Benchmark is 5,434 feet MSL.  No mechanical malfunctions or failures that may have contributed to the accident were reported.

## Factual narrative

On October 2, 2004, about 0955 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 150G airplane, N3086R, sustained substantial damage after colliding with trees and terrain shortly after takeoff from the Benchmark Airport (3U7), Augusta, Montana.  The airplane is owned by the passenger and was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal/pleasure flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred.  The private pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries in the accident.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the flight.

In a written statement the pilot reported the airplane collided with trees and rising terrain shortly after departing runway 12 at Benchmark.  The pilot reported the airplane cleared trees (approximately 50 feet in height) located at the end of the departure runway, however, the aircraft made contact with multiple trees and rising terrain beyond the departure end of the runway.  The pilot stated "we hit trees for 150 yards before slowing enough to hit the ground."

The published airport elevation for Benchmark is 5,434 feet MSL.

The pilot reported that the outside air temperature at the time of the accident was 34 degrees Fahrenheit.

No mechanical malfunctions or failures that may have contributed to the accident were reported.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3086R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3086R-2012-02-25), registration cancelled 2012-02-25, S/N 15066986, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Cessna 150G
- Registry model: [Cessna 150G](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150g) (registry code 2071816) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15066986
- Engines: Continental O-200 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Terry Gollehon
- Registered owner: Frank Schuler
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Departed: 3U7, Augusta, MT
- Airport: 3U5, Augusta, runway 12, 6,000 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review August 12, 2004; seat: left; flight hours: 359 total, 10 in this make and model, 359 as pilot in command, 32 in the last 90 days, 12 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 34 °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 20041002024829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20041002024829A), Oct 2, 2004: Cessna 150G, Benchmark Mt, Substantial damage. (-23) On October 2, 2004, at 0940 MST, a Cessna 150, N3086R, registered to frank c. schuler collided with trees after takeoff at the Benchmark Airport,…

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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