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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

April 8, 2000 · Cessna 150M · N45618

Leesburg, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 8, 2000
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Leesburg, FL
Aircraft
Cessna 150M
Tail Number
N45618
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL00LA040

After takeoff, the enroute flight was normal, but while on final approach to land on runway 21, the flight encountered turbulence. The pilot stated that as he approached the runway threshold, an unexpected severe down draft 'sucked' him down. He stated that the nose gear collided with a jet blast deflector at the approach end of the runway and the airplane subsequently collided with the runway. No mechanical problems with the airplane were reported by the pilot. According to an eyewitness, the airplane appeared to be low on approach. The witness stated that the nose gear collided with the concrete blast fence and then the airplane collided with the runway in a nose low attitude and slid to a stop. The witness stated that it was windy with strong gusts at the time. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The winds were from 230 degrees magnetic heading at 9 knots with gusts up to 14 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from objects during the final approach. A factor was downdraft on final approach.

Full Narrative

On April 8, 2000, at 1300 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150M, N45618, collided with a jet blast deflection fence on final approach to runway 21, at the Leesburg Municipal Airport in Leesburg, Florida. The airplane was operated by the private pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local pleasure flight. The pilot and passenger received minor injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane departed Crystal River, Florida, at 1230. According to the pilot, after takeoff from Crystal River the enroute flight was normal, but while on final approach to land on runway 21, the flight encountered turbulence. He stated that as he approached the runway threshold an unexpected severe down draft "sucked" him down. He stated that the nose gear collided with a jet blast deflector at the approach end of the runway and the airplane subsequently collided with the runway. No mechanical problems with the airplane were reported by the pilot. According to an eyewitness, the airplane appeared to be low on approach. The witness stated that the nose gear collided with the concrete blast fence and then the airplane collided with the runway in a nose low attitude and slid to a stop. The witness stated that it was windy with strong gusts at the time. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The winds were from 230 degrees magnetic heading at 9 knots with gusts up to 14 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:00 EDT
Nearest AirportLeesburg Municipal (0nm N)
Runway21
Runway Length4152 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 150M
Tail NumberN45618
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-200-A · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 75 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 9 kt, gusting 14 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data