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June 26, 1995 · Cessna 152 · N4963H

Ben Wheeler, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 26, 1995
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Ben Wheeler, TX
Aircraft
Cessna 152
Tail Number
N4963H
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW95FA259

The aircraft had been fully fueled before two large individuals with their equipment got into the aircraft for an aerial photographic flight in the local area. The manufacturer's recommended maximum gross takeoff weight for this aircraft is 1,675 pounds and the calculated takeoff weight was 1,764.3 pounds. Witnesses observed the airplane 'flying much too low and slow just above the trees.' The witnesses stated that 'the plane sure did wobble' and it appeared to them that 'the airplane was going too slow to stay up.' Another witness observed the airplane's 'motor was cutting out' and 'then he hit the tree then the ground.' Another witness observed the airplane go 'straight down' and that 'he did not clip a tree.' The airplane came to rest on the north edge of a group of trees 25 to 30 feet high in a nose down position. An examination of the engine revealed no indications of anomalies that could have affected its performance. The flaps were found in a 7 degree down position. Leaves and twigs were found in the left main gear wheel fairing which matched the leaves on the trees at the accident site.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S INTENTIONAL LOW LEVEL FLYING AND NOT MAINTAINING A CLEARANCE FROM THE TREES. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOT EXCEEDED THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE GROSS WEIGHT OF THE AIRPLANE.

Full Narrative

HISTORY OF FLIGHT On June 26, 1995, at 0937 central daylight time, a Cessna 152, N4963H, was destroyed while maneuvering near Ben Wheeler, Texas. The commercial pilot and his passenger were fatally injured. The aircraft was being operated by Tyler Aero Company of Texas, Inc., under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated from Tyler Pounds Field located near Tyler, Texas, at approximately 0800. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local aerial photographic flight and no flight plan was filed. According to witnesses, the airplane was observed "flying much too low and slow just above the trees." The witnesses stated that "the plane sure did wobble" and it appeared to them that "the airplane was going too slow to stay up." Another witness observed the airplane's "motor was cutting out" and "then he hit the tree then the ground." Another witness observed the airplane go "straight down" and that "he did not clip a tree." AIRCRAFT INFORMATION The manufacturer recommended maximum gross takeoff weight for this aircraft is 1,675 pounds. The weight of the occupants, fuel, equipment, and the aircraft at the time of takeoff was calculated to be 1,764.3 pounds (see enclosed weight and balance calculations). The fuel burn rate of the engine of this aircraft, which was provided by the owner, was estimated at 6 gallons per hour. With a flight time of 1 hour and 37 minutes, this calculated out to an airplane weight of 1,704.3 pounds at the time of the accident. WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION The airplane came to rest on the north edge of a group of trees 25 to 30 feet high in a nose down position on a measured magnetic heading of 350 degrees. The airplane's engine was found buried in a pond's hard earthen dam with a propeller blade visible. The leading edge of the wings were parallel to the ground and compressed aft. The accident site was located 200 yards north of County Road 4614 and a quarter mile west of Highway 279. Continuity was established to the engine and flight controls. The fuel tanks had been compromised and the fuel selector was in the "on" position. The flap jack screw indicated that the flaps were down 7 degrees. Leaves and twigs were found in the left main gear wheel fairing which matched the leaves on the trees at the accident site. An examination of the engine revealed no indications of anomalies that could have affected it's performance. MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION An autopsy was performed by the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences at Dallas, Texas, on June 27, 1995. Toxicology findings were negative. ADDITIONAL DATA The airplane was released to the owner's representative.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:37 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 152
Tail NumberN4963H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-L2C · Reciprocating · 125
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 25 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 8 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time13:47
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data