# NTSB SEA84LA129: Cessna 150L, N21939, Reno, NV, June 12, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 12, 1984, 10:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Reno, NV
- Coordinates: 39.479976, -119.739593 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.4800&lon=-119.7396&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 39932
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA84LA129
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/39932/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA84LA129

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, landing - flare/touchdown
  - flare - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - go-around - initiated, pilot in command
  - raising of flaps - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall/mush - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing

## Analysis

AS THE STUDENT PLT WAS FLARING TO LAND, THE ACFT BALLOONED & SUBSEQUENTLY ENTERED A PORPOISE. HE ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A GO-AROUND, BUT THE ACFT STRUCK THE GROUND WHEN IT LOST ALTITUDE AFTER THE STUDENT RETRACTED THE FLAPS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N21939](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N21939-2012-10-16), registration cancelled 2012-10-16, S/N 15074554, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150L
- Registry model: [Cessna 150L](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150l) (registry code 2071826) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15074554
- Airframe hours: 6293
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Karl D. Whitehead
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 29, 1983
- Departed: 4SD
- Destination: RNO
- Airport: RNO, Cannon International, runway 16, 9,000 × 150 ft, concrete

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 21; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 37 total, 37 in this make and model, 11 as pilot in command, 8 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 50° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 12,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 37 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: RNO

## 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 19840612023629A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840612023629A), Jun 12, 1984: Cessna 150L, Reno, NV, Substantial damage. Bounced and porpoised on landing. Tried to go around. Lost control. Left runway. Severed nose gear on taxiway lip.

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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