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NTSB Report

June 27, 1996 · Cessna 150H · N7260S

San Carlos, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 27, 1996
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
San Carlos, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 150H
Tail Number
N7260S
Operator
Transair
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX96LA248

The CFI stated that on the fifth touch and go the student landed, moved the flap selector to the up position, then added full power to takeoff. The student rotated and lifted off from the 2,600-foot-long runway just as the CFI realized that the flaps had not retracted. The flaps did not respond to repeated movement of the selector handle. At this point, the aircraft had passed the end of the runway and would not climb as the airspeed began to decay. The instructor said he attempted to land the aircraft in a clear area straight ahead; however, touched down hard and collapsed the nose gear. A ground witness observed the takeoff attempt of the aircraft and reported that after gaining about 100 feet of altitude it seemed to began losing altitude. The witness saw the flaps in the full down position and noted that the aircraft seemed to be slowing down and losing altitude at a more rapid rate. He said the aircraft nose rose, then the aircraft stalled and descended nose down to ground impact. Examination by an FAA airworthiness inspector revealed that the flaps were in the full down position. The flap system fuse in the cockpit was a 20 amp fast blow fuse and was found burned out. The parts manual specifies a 15 amp slow blow fuse. Corrosion deposits were found on the fuse and the fuse holder. No other discrepancies were found with the flap system. The fuse was replaced and the system functioned satisfactorily. An annual inspection was completed 1 month and 27 hours prior to the accident. The maintenance manual specifies that all fuses must be checked during each 50-hour and annual inspection. Cessna reported that during certification flight testing the Cessna 150H demonstrated the capability for a positive climb gradient of 175 feet per minute with full flaps at sea level on a standard day.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the flaps to retract due to the installation of an incorrect fuse and the inadequate maintenance/inspections performed on the system; and the pilot-in-command's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering for a forced landing, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/mush.

Full Narrative

On June 27, 1996, at 1242 hours Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 150H, N7260S, collided with the ground during a forced landing attempt from the takeoff initial climb at the San Carlos, California, airport. The forced landing was precipitated by a failure of the flaps to retract. The aircraft was operated by Transair of San Carlos, and was on a local area dual instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The certificated commercial pilot/flight instructor and his dual primary student sustained minor injuries. The flight originated at San Carlos on the day of the accident at 1219 as a traffic pattern operation engaged in touch-and-go operations. The instructor stated that they had performed four touch and go's in the traffic pattern. During the accident sequence, the student landed and moved the flap selector to the up position, then added full power to takeoff. The student rotated and lifted off from the 2,600-foot-long runway just as the instructor realized that the flaps had not retracted. The flaps did not respond to repeated movement of the selector handle. At this point, the aircraft had passed the end of the runway and would not climb as the airspeed began to decay. The instructor said he attempted to land the aircraft in a clear area straight ahead; however, touched down hard and collapsed the nose gear. A ground witness observed the takeoff attempt of the aircraft and reported that after gaining about 100 feet of altitude it seemed to encounter a problem, then began losing altitude. The witness observed the flaps in the full down position and noted that the aircraft seemed to be slowing down and losing altitude at a more rapid rate. He said the aircraft nose rose, then the aircraft stalled and descended nose down to ground impact with the left wing and nose, followed by the right wing. An examination of the aircraft by an FAA airworthiness inspector from the San Jose, California, Flight Standards District Office revealed that the flaps were in the full extended position. The flap system fuse in the cockpit was determined to be a 20 amp fast blow fuse and was found burned out. The Cessna Aircraft Parts Manual for the aircraft specifies a 15 amp slow blow fuse for the flap system. Corrosion deposits were found on the fuse and the fuse holder. Under the supervision of the inspector, company maintenance personnel conducted an inspection of the flap system and found no other discrepancies. The fuse was replaced and the system functionally checked in accordance with the Cessna maintenance manual. The flap system passed the functional check. Review of the aircraft maintenance records disclosed that an annual inspection was completed 1 month and 27 hours prior to the accident. The Cessna Aircraft maintenance manual for the Cessna 150 specifies that all fuses must be checked during each 50-hour and annual inspection. An engineering representative from Cessna Aircraft Company was contacted and he reported that during certification flight testing the Cessna 150H demonstrated the capability for a positive climb gradient with full flaps. At sea level on a standard day, and at gross weight, the aircraft is capable of 175 feet per minute.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:42 PDT
Nearest AirportSan Carlos (1nm WNW)
Runway30
Runway Length2600 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 150H
Tail NumberN7260S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTransair
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-200A · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 30 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 7 kt
Visibility40 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 52
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time19:42
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data