On March 20, 1982, a Cessna 152 (registration N757VV) operated by Bob Jones University was involved in an aviation accident near Allendale, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's loss of situational awareness and subsequent panic, which led to an emergency landing in an unsuitable field. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A student pilot on a solo cross-country flight became disoriented after straying from his intended course, leading to an emergency landing in a wet field despite having ample fuel remaining.
What happened
During a solo three hundred mile cross country flight the student pilot stated that he strayed to the south of his intended course. He subsequently became disorientated and after circling an area for about 30 minutes began to panic and elected to land. The field he selected was wet and soft. The aircraft had over two hours of fuel left and the selected field turned out to be 3 miles northwest of the intended destination.
Findings
The pilot's decision to land in a wet and soft field, combined with his state of panic, contributed to the incident. The pilot was not injured.
Probable cause
The student pilot's loss of situational awareness and subsequent panic, which led to an emergency landing in an unsuitable field.
What happened in the 20 Mar 1982 Cessna 152 accident near Allendale, SC?
A student pilot on a solo cross-country flight became disoriented after straying from his intended course, leading to an emergency landing in a wet field despite having ample fuel remaining.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 Mar 1982 involved a Cessna 152, registration N757VV, operated by Bob Jones University, at Allendale, SC.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's loss of situational awareness and subsequent panic, which led to an emergency landing in an unsuitable field.
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