Cessna 150M accident near S Padre Island, TX
On December 16, 1995, a Cessna 150M (airplane) was involved in an accident near S Padre Island, TX. 2 people died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- December 16, 1995
- Place
- S Padre Island, TX
- Aircraft
- Cessna 150M · Airplane
- Injuries
- 2 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 26.410°N, 97.230°W
- NTSB ID
- 20001207X04995
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On December 16, 1995, approximately 1150 central standard time, a Cessna 150M, N3862V, registered to, and operated by a private owner as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, was destroyed during impact with water near South Padre Island, Texas. The non-instrument rated private pilot and passenger were fatally injured. Instrument meteorological conditions were reported by witnesses for the area and a flight plan was not filed. The flight originated from Harlingen, Texas, about 50 minutes before the accident. Two witnesses observed the airplane descend out of the "broken fog" at approximately 500-550 feet above the water. The airplane circled (360 degrees) as though trying to "avoid flying into the fog." As the airplane turned towards the south, it began a gentle descent and slight left turn as it disappeared below their line of sight. The witnesses reported the engine was "running fine." A witness reported to a FAA inspector and Coast Guard personnel that he heard an explosion and when he looked in the direction of the sound he saw what he thought was a boat breaking up and sinking. The witness proceeded to the area of the crash to search for survivors. He recovered a wheel that was later identified as belonging to the accident airplane. The Coast Guard was notified of a possible aircraft accident, and divers were transported to the site to search for survivors. The Coast Guard also dispatched a helicopter; however, it was unable to conduct a visual search due to fog. PERSONNEL INFORMATION According to the non-instrument rated private pilot's log book, h
Probable cause
VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude (or clearance) above the surface of the water. Factors relating to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions (low ceiling and fog), and the pilot's lack of instrument experience.
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Browse: Texas · Cessna aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
