N51096

Substantial
None

Cessna 150J S/N: 15069761

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, May 20, 1999
NTSB Number
LAX99LA187
Location
ALDERPOINT, CA
Event ID
20001212X18816
Coordinates
40.140144, -123.679199
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing turbulent, gusty wind conditions during the approach. Contributing factors were the pilot's delayed go-around maneuver, the gusty and turbulent winds, and the tree.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
15069761
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
150J C150
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
6
FAA Model
T206H

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
DEPT OF THE INTERIOR
Address
300 E MALLARD DR STE 200
City
BOISE
State / Zip Code
ID 83706-3991
Country
United States

Analysis

On May 20, 1999, about 1600 hours Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 150J, N51096, sustained substantial damage when it collided with trees during a go-around at a private airstrip near Alderpoint, California. The commercial pilot/owner, the sole occupant, was not injured. He operated the aircraft under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The personal flight originated in Half Moon Bay, California, at 1400. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed.

The pilot stated the weather was clear, but the winds were blustery and he estimated they were gusting erratically from the northwest between 20 and 25 knots. He said he experienced moderate to severe turbulence during the approach to the private grass strip, which was about 1,700 feet in length. He said he was aligned on final for the northerly-headed runway and maintaining 55 to 60 miles per hour. He touched down on the runway, and then a gust lifted him back into the air. As the aircraft started to float, he decided to execute a go-around. He applied takeoff power, but the aircraft contacted a tree that was 30 feet tall at the north end of the runway. The aircraft turned to the left, collided with a power line, the ground, and then skidded 75 feet before hitting a ranch bunkhouse.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX99LA187