Casualties unknown

1982-03-20: Cessna 177 (N2952X) — Jerry Laverne Slater — San Fernando, CA

San Fernando, CA, US

On March 20, 1982, a Cessna 177 (registration N2952X) operated by Jerry Laverne Slater was involved in an aviation accident near San Fernando, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a solo flight following a two-hour check-out, the pilot executed a go-around on the first approach. On the second approach, the aircraft landed long and bounced, then an increase in power was heard. It veered off the runway, struck a flagpole, fence, and traffic signal, then exploded and caught fire. Four children nearby were injured, one hospitalized.

Accident Details

The accident occurred during a pilot's second solo flight after receiving a two-hour check-out in a recently purchased aircraft. The pilot had accumulated approximately six to seven hours of flight time in that aircraft.

Sequence of Events

Upon arriving at the airport, the pilot initiated the first approach for landing but performed a go-around. On the second approach, the aircraft came in high and long. After touchdown, the aircraft bounced several times, followed by an audible increase in engine power. The aircraft then wallowed off the runway in a nose-high attitude. Subsequently, it struck a flagpole, a fence, and a traffic signal. An explosion occurred and a fire erupted before the aircraft came to rest at a street intersection.

Injuries

Four children were sitting on a rock near the crash site. One child was struck by an undetermined object and was hospitalized. The other three children received minor scratches while scrambling out of the way.

Investigation

Flight control continuity was verified. No other causal factors are stated in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X02277. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.