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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

March 30, 1998 · Cessna 150A · N6640T

Apple Valley, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 30, 1998
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Apple Valley, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 150A
Tail Number
N6640T
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX98LA130

The pilot reported that he had taken the aircraft flying to test the aircraft radio and when it did not work he returned to his private dirt airstrip. He said that after touchdown the nose gear sank in the soft soil, the nose gear strut collapsed, and the aircraft nosed over. An FAA inspector examined the airstrip and found that it is actually a firebreak road that is owned by a neighbor who allows the pilot to use it. The landing area is about 1,700 long by 10 feet wide and very soft. The FAA inspector further noted that 60-foot power lines that the pilot would have to maneuver over before landing obstructed the approach end of the runway.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing area.

Full Narrative

On March 30, 1998, at 1015 hours Pacific standard time, a Cessna 150A, N6640T, nosed over during landing at a private dirt strip near Apple Valley, California. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local area personal flight. The aircraft was owned and operated by the pilot and sustained substantial damage in the accident. The private pilot, the sole occupant, incurred minor injuries. In the pilot's written statement, he reported that he had taken the aircraft flying to test the radio. When the radio did not work, he returned to land. The pilot recalled landing on the dirt strip, then waking up suspended from his seat belt in the inverted cockpit. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector from the Riverside, California, Flight Standards District Office, traveled to the strip and interviewed the pilot. The pilot stated that the landing strip behind his house is actually a fire break road that is owned by a neighbor who allows him to land his aircraft there. The pilot further said that after touchdown the nose gear sank in the soft soil, the nose gear strut collapsed, and the aircraft went inverted. He stated to the inspector that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the aircraft. The FAA inspector reported that the portion of the road used as the landing area was 1,700 feet in length and less than 10 feet wide. Power lines 60 feet high are located at the approach end of the landing area.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:15 PST
Nearest AirportPrivate Strip (0nm)
Runway0
Runway Length1700 ft
Runway Width10 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 150A
Tail NumberN6640T
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-200-A · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 75 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 10 kt, gusting 10 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data