# NTSB SEA90FA182: Cessna 150M, N3420V, Prospect, OR, September 14, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: September 13, 1990, 23:15 local (Sep 14, 1990, 06:15 UTC)
- Place: Prospect, OR
- Coordinates: 42.780231, -122.489997 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.7802&lon=-122.4900&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report June 8, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41127
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA90FA182
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41127/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA90FA182

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A PROPER ALTITUDE DURING HIS APPROACH. THE DARK NIGHT CONDITION WAS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH TREES APRX 200 YDS SE OF THE AIRPORT DURING A NIGHT VISUAL APPROACH. THE COLLISION PATH WAS ORIENTED ALONG A HEADING OF 010 DEG; WHILE APPARENTLY APPROACHING RWY 02. A RESIDENT IN THE AREA REPORTED THAT AT 2400 HE HAD NOTED AN OVERCAST LAYER AND LIGHT MISTING CONDITIONS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3420V](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3420V-2014-10-02), registration cancelled 2014-10-02, S/N 15076497, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150M
- 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: 15076497
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E3D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Lloyd R. Martin
- Departed: MFR, MEDFORD, OR
- Airport: 64S, Prospect State

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 70; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 1,200 total, 20 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 300° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 15,000 ft broken
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: MFR, 28 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 19900913039619A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900913039619A), Sep 13, 1990: Cessna STC150, Prospect, OR, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Flew into trees on dark night while circling to land. Overcast layer and light mist in area. No ground lights.

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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