# NTSB SEA90LA049: Cessna 150, N60301, Valmy, NV, March 2, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 1, 1990, 16:14 local (Mar 2, 1990, 00:14 UTC)
- Place: Valmy, NV
- Coordinates: 40.800468, -117.089965 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.8005&lon=-117.0900&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report February 12, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41172
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA90LA049
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41172/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA90LA049

## Probable cause

THE PILOTS POOR INFLIGHT PLANNING AND DECISION TO LAND ON AN ABANDONED HIGHWAY IN STRONG GUSTY CROSSWIND CONDITIONS, HIS IMPROPER REMEDIAL ACTION OF TURNING DOWNWIND AT A LOW ALTITUDE AFTER ABORTING THE LANDING AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE HIGH WINDS AND UNFAVORABLE WIND CONDITIONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, landing - aborted
  - weather condition - high wind (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - remedial action - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - tailwind
  - airspeed(vs) - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO LAND ON A ABANDONED ROAD IN STRONG CROSSWIND CONDITIONS. HE ENCOUNTERED A WIND GUST AFTER TOUCHDOWN, APPLIED FULL THROTTLE FOR A GO-AROUND AND TURNED DOWNWIND. THE AIRCRAFT STALLED APPROX 100 FT AGL, DESCENDED AND IMPACTED THE GROUND IN A 45 DEGREE NOSE DOWN ATTITUDE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N60301](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N60301-2013-02-08), registration cancelled 2013-02-08, S/N 15070210, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150
- Registry model: [Cessna 150J](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150j) (registry code 2071820) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15070210
- Airframe hours: 6339
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Arthur H. Mc Ewen
- Registered owner: Curtis D. Mc Douglas
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 26, 1989, 61 hours before
- Departed: O04, CARSON CITY, NV

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 2,000 total, 10 in this make and model, 2,000 as pilot in command, 35 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 18 knots
- Visibility: 35 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 9,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 50 °F, dew point 28 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: B23, 16 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 19900301005849A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900301005849A), Mar 1, 1990: Cessna 150J, Valmy, NV, Substantial damage. Aborted landing attempt on a road due to gusty winds. Stalled, and impacted 45 degrees nose down on go around.

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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