# NTSB SEA91LA230: Cessna 150, N5934E, Dixie, ID, September 1, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 1, 1991, 10:45 local (17:45 UTC)
- Place: Dixie, ID
- Coordinates: 45.799728, -115.510803 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.7997&lon=-115.5108&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 24, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41529
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA91LA230
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41529/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA230

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE CLEARANCE WITH TREE(S) DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE AND DOWNDRAFT CONDITIONS.

## 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
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT EXECUTED A SOUTHERLY DEPARTURE AS PER THE ADVICE OF LOCAL PILOTS FAMILIAR WITH THE 5600 FOOT MSL AIRSTRIP. DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB THE PILOT LOST SIGHT OF THE CREEK BED HE WAS FOLLOWING AND CHOSE TO EXECUTE A CLIMBING LEFT TURN.  DURING THE TURN THE AIRCRAFT ENCOUNTERED A DOWNDRAFT. THE LEFT WING STRUCK A TREE AND THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT.  THE AIRCRAFT THEN COLLIDED WITH TERRAIN.  THE PILOT REPORTED THE TEMPERATURE AS 70 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT.  A DENSITY ALTITUDE OF APPROXIMATELY 8000 FEET EXISTED AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5934E](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5934E-2013-03-13), registration cancelled 2013-03-13, S/N 17434, built 1959 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150
- Registry model: [Cessna 150](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150) (registry code 2071802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17434
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: David K. Arnold, Sr.
- Registered owner: David K. Arnold, Sr.
- Destination: S80, GRANGEVILLE, ID

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 971 total, 51 in this make and model, 901 as pilot in command, 33 in the last 90 days, 13 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 99 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point -0 °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 19910901037509A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910901037509A), Sep 1, 1991: Cessna 150, Dixie, ID, Destroyed. Settled on climbing turnout from mountain strip and flew into tree on rising terrain. High density altitude factor.

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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