# NTSB SEA86LA014: Cessna 150, N3231V, Pullman, WA, October 17, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 17, 1985, 16:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: Pullman, WA
- Location: 46.7417° N, 117.1116° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at PULLMAN/MOSCOW RGNL (PUW), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.7417&lon=-117.1116&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40325
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA86LA014
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40325/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA86LA014

## Analysis (aircraft 2)

THE PILOT OF THE LANDING AIRCRAFT FAILED TO SEE AND AVOID THE DEPARTING AIRCRAFT. THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK THE DEPARTING AIRCRAFTS VERTICAL STABILIZER AND RUDDER WITH THE PROPELLER.APPROXIMATELY 40% OF THE VERTICAL STABILIZER AND RUDDER SEPARATED FROM THE AIRCRAFT DURING THE PROPELLER STRIKE.

## Analysis (aircraft 1)

BEFORE THE PILOT USED THE RUNWAY AT AN UNCONTROLLED AIRPORT SHE FAILED TO LOOK FOR AND OBSERVE THE LANDING TRAFFIC. THE AIRCRAFT WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH A COMMUNICATIONS RADIO. THIS WAS THE PILOT'S FIRST TAKEOFF OF THE DAY AND HAD PLANNED ON MAKING SEVERAL TOUCH AND GOES. DURING TAKEOFF THE PILOT HEARD A 'CRUNCH' BUT WAS UNAWARE OF THE LANDING AIRCRAFT'S PROPELLER STRIKE WHICH SLICED OFF 40% OF THE VERTICAL STABILIXER AND RUDDER. A NORMAL TRAFFIC PATTERN WAS FLOWN WITH A SUCCESSFUL LANDING.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - visual lookout - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with object, landing
  - visual lookout - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - go-around - reduced, pilot in command (cause)

## Aircraft 1

- Registration: [N3231V](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3231V), registered now, S/N 15076431, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150
- Registry model: [Cessna 150M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150m) (registry code 2071830) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15076431
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Interstate Aviation
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Departed: PUW, PULLMAN, WA
- Airport: PUW, Pullman, runway 23, 6,731 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Aircraft 2

- Registration: [N4702A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4702A-2008-04-01), registration cancelled 2008-04-01, S/N A1520872 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 152
- Registry model: [Cessna A152](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-a152) (registry code 2071836) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: A1520872
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 110 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Minor damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Interstate Aviation
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Departed: PUW, PULLMAN, WA
- Airport: PUW, Pullman, runway 23, 6,371 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot, aircraft N3231V; age 21; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 16 total, 2 as pilot in command
- Pilot, aircraft N4702A; age 23; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 12 total, 12 in this make and model, 2 as pilot in command, 12 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 57 °F, dew point 41 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PUW

## FAA reports on this event (2)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19851017073001A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851017073001A), Oct 17, 1985: Cessna 150M, Pullman Moscow, WA, Substantial damage. Started takeoff with 4702A on final. At liftoff rudder and stabilizer were struck by propeller. Radio inoperative.
- [Accident 19851017073002A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851017073002A), Oct 17, 1985: Cessna A152, Pullman Moscow, WA, Minor damage. Propeller struck departing 3231V while 25 feet AGL for landing. Student unaware radio was not transmitting.

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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