# NTSB SEA98LA011: Cessna 150H, N695NS, Missoula, MT, November 6, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: November 6, 1997, 15:45 local (22:45 UTC) - Place: Missoula, MT - Coordinates: 46.849845, -113.989929 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.8498&lon=-113.9899&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report May 4, 1998 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 42733 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA98LA011 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42733/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA011 ## Probable cause The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run - touch-and-go - performed, pilot in command - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command - On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - aborted - object - airport sign/marker ## Analysis The student pilot was attempting a touch-and-go on his first solo flight. He stated that he touched down and was applying power for the takeoff when the airplane turned to the left. The pilot applied right rudder pressure; however, the airplane continued to the left. The pilot reduced power to idle as the airplane was leaving the side of the runway. An airport marker sign was directly in front of the airplane and the pilot maneuvered to avoid a head-on collision. The left wing strut collided with the sign and the airplane came to rest off the side of the runway. ## Factual narrative On November 6, 1997, approximately 1545 mountain standard time, a Cessna 150H, N695NS, operated by Northstar Air Express as a 14 CFR Part 91 local instructional flight, collided with an airport marker sign at the Missoula International Airport, Missoula, Montana, while the student pilot was performing a touch-and-go landing. The student pilot was not injured in the occurrence but the airplane received substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the aircraft was not on a flight plan. In a written statement, the pilot reported that he had practiced three touch-and-go landings with his instructor on board before dropping the instructor off. The pilot then departed for his first solo flight. The pilot stated that during the first landing roll he retracted the flaps, turned the carburetor heat off, and gradually applied full power for the takeoff roll. The pilot stated that everything was normal until just before rotation speed when the airplane turned to the left. The pilot stated that he applied right rudder pressure, however, the airplane continued to travel to the left. Just prior to the airplane departing the side of the runway, the pilot reduced power to idle. The pilot stated that the airplane continued to the left, but not as pronounced. The 3,000 foot runway marker sign was directly ahead of the airplane and the pilot maneuvered the airplane to avoid a head-on collision, however, the left wing strut struck the sign and the airplane came to a rest off the side of the runway. The 1456 Missoula automated weather observation reported winds from 320 degrees at 3 knots. Missoula runway 29 is a 9,499-foot long by 150-foot wide asphalt and porous friction-coated runway. The pilot reported that he had a total of 16.5 flight hours, all received as dual instruction. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N695NS](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N695NS-2013-02-13), registration cancelled 2013-02-13, S/N 15067659, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 150H - Registry model: [Cessna 150H](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150h) (registry code 2071818) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 15067659 - Airframe hours: 6239 - Engines: Continental O-200A 100 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Registered owner: Northstar Air Express - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, July 12, 1997, 65 hours before - Airport: MSO, Missoula, runway 29, 9,499 × 150 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 32; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 17 total, 17 in this make and model, 14 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 303° at 3 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 11,000 ft overcast - Temperature: 48 °F, dew point 37 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: MSO ## 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 19971106032579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19971106032579A), Nov 6, 1997: Cessna 150H, Missoula, MT, Substantial damage. Acft was involved in touch and go landings when it veered off rwy after landing, Missoula, MT. (.4)the student pilot was attempting a touch-and-go on his first… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.