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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

August 7, 1998 · Cessna 150J · N60564

Belen, NM

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 7, 1998
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Belen, NM
Aircraft
Cessna 150J
Tail Number
N60564
Operator
Jude Salazar
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW98LA357

The pilot told FAA inspectors that he detected water in the fuel during his preflight, and thought he had drained all the water from the tanks. In his accident report, however, he made no reference to his preflight. Shortly after departing runway 21, the engine lost power but was 'surging'. The pilot tried to land on a road but was unable. The pilot stated the 'aircraft [was] in ground effect with [the] stall warning horn in operation.' He 'flew within 30 yards of road when [he] could no longer keep in ground effect with power that the engine was producing.' The pilot made a forced landing on soft sandy soil south of the airport. The aircraft rolled approximately 20 feet and nosed over. FAA inspectors reported draining a considerable quantity of 'rust red' water from both fuel tanks and debris from the gascolator, and the aircraft did not have a valid certificate of airworthiness or registration.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper preflight in that he failed to drain the water from the fuel sumps. Factors were water contamination in the fuel tank and a sand bar.

Full Narrative

On August 7, 1998, approximately 1120 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 150J, N60564, was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain during a forced landing 1 mile south of Alexander Municipal Airport, Belen, New Mexico. The private pilot, the sole occupant aboard, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the test flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated at Belen approximately 5 minutes before the accident. The pilot told FAA inspectors that he detected water in the fuel during his preflight, and thought he had drained all the water from the tanks. In his accident report, however, he made no reference to his preflight. Shortly after departing runway 21, the engine lost power but was "surging". The pilot tried to land on a road but was unable. The pilot stated the "aircraft [was] in ground effect with [the] stall warning horn in operation." He "flew within 30 yards of [a] road when [he] could no longer keep in ground effect with power that the engine was producing." The pilot made a forced landing on soft sandy soil south of the airport. The aircraft rolled approximately 20 feet and nosed over. FAA inspectors reported draining a considerable quantity of "rust red" water from both fuel tanks and debris from the gascolator. The Federal Aviation Administration has confirmed that the pilot's airmen certificate was suspended in 1989 for 60 days and then was reinstated. In December 1997, his mechanic's license was "amended" but is now suspended. An FAA representative also reported that although the airplane serial number matched the registration number, the latter had been removed from FAA's central registry. The airplane was listed as sold on December 24, 1991, but no new owner's name was listed. The previous owner was contacted and he stated that the airplane had been destroyed. Inspectors said there was no valid Certificate of Airworthiness or Registration Certificate in the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:20 MDT
Nearest AirportAlexander Municipal (0nm)
Runway21
Runway Length6600 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 150J
Tail NumberN60564
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJude Salazar
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-200A · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 40 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time17:25
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data