Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 150J near Renton, WA — 2015-07-09

Final reportGAA15CA175
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Date
2015-07-09
Location
Renton, WA, USA
Airport
RNT
Aircraft
CESSNA 150J
Registration
N12MM
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall/spin.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while conducting banner towing operations, after the airplane passed through the banner pick up gates, he applied full throttle and pitched the nose of the airplane up. Once the airspeed reached 40 miles per hour (MPH) he looked back to ensure that the banner pickup was successful. The pilot stated that when he turned back around the airspeed had decreased, simultaneously the banner began "pulling", which led to an increase in drag, and the airplane exceeded its critical angle of attack. The airplane aerodynamically stalled, descended, and impacted the ground. The airplane impacted the ground left wing first, and sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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