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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

March 5, 2004 · Cessna 150F · N3038X

Harrisonburg, VA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 5, 2004
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Harrisonburg, VA
Aircraft
Cessna 150F
Tail Number
N3038X
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC04LA081

The pilot conducted an approach to runway 30, and encountered a quartering tailwind, which resulted in a loss of airspeed. The pilot initiated a go-around; however, the airplane stalled at a low altitude, which he could not recover from. The airplane descended to the ground, and came to rest inverted. Runway 30 was a 1,700-foot long grass airstrip, and sloped upwards to a crest at the midpoint. Rising terrain and trees were located prior to and beyond the airstrip. The airstrip was equipped with a windsock. The pilot reported after the accident that the winds were from the south at 20 knots, gusting to 30 knots. The pilot did not report encountering any abnormalities with the engine or airframe during the flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper decision to attempt a landing with an excessive tailwind, which resulted in an inadvertent stall while attempting to climb during a go-around. A factor related to the accident was the tailwind conditions and the rising terrain beyond the runway.

Full Narrative

On March 5, 2004, at 1440 eastern standard time, a Cessna 150F, N3038X, was substantially damaged during a go-around at a private airstrip in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The certificate private pilot was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the flight, which originated at the Luray Caverns Airport, Luray, Virginia, about 1330. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, he made an approach to runway 30, and encountered a quartering tailwind, which resulted in a loss of airspeed. The pilot initiated a go-around; however, the airplane stalled at a low altitude, which he could not recover from. The airplane descended to the ground, and came to rest inverted. A witness, who was a pilot, stated that he observed the accident airplane as it was making its final approach to the airstrip. At the time, there was a "very strong, gusting tailwind, at 25-30 miles an hour." The landing approach seemed a little high, and the airplane disappeared from view as it neared the airstrip. The witness then heard the engine "go full throttle," and the airplane reappeared over the top of a knoll located 20 feet beyond the end of the airstrip. Just barely clearing treetops, the airplane flew in a northwest direction for approximately ¼ mile. It then turned to the left, and flew an additional 200 yards, where the right wing rose upward. The airplane then descended to the ground, coming to rest inverted. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the flaps were extended about 8 degrees. No abnormalities were noted with the airframe or engine. The inspector added that runway 30 was a 1,700-foot long grass airstrip, and sloped upwards to a crest at the midpoint. Rising terrain and trees were located prior to and beyond the airstrip. The airstrip was equipped with a windsock. The winds reported from an airport about 33 miles southeast of the accident site, about the time of the accident, were from 210 degrees at 18 knots, gusting to 26 knots. The pilot reported that the winds were from the south at 20 knots, gusting to 30 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:40 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway30
Runway Length1700 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 150F
Tail NumberN3038X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-200 · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 56 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 18 kt, gusting 26 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54
Altimeter29.88 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data