Casualties unknown

Student pilot loses control after high-speed downwind landing (N5119Q)

Mt. Carmel, IL, US

On March 17, 1983, a Cessna 152 (registration N5119Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Mt. Carmel, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to land downwind on a short runway with an excessive approach speed, compounded by his visual impairment which restricts his pilot certificate to student privileges. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-23Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot flying a light aircraft landed downwind on a short runway, overrunning the pavement and nosing into a plowed field due to excessive speed and insufficient stopping distance.

What happened

The pilot reported that he executed a landing with a tailwind component. The approach was conducted at an excessive altitude and airspeed. Upon touchdown, only approximately 800 feet of remaining runway was available for deceleration. The aircraft was unable to stop within the paved surface and overran the end of the runway, coming to rest in a plowed field after nosing over.

The investigation

Examination of the pilot's credentials revealed that he is blind in one eye. His pilot certificate contains a restriction limiting his privileges to student pilot purposes only.

Findings

The primary factors contributing to the accident were the high and fast approach, the downwind landing on a runway with insufficient remaining length, and the pilot's physical limitation regarding binocular vision which is restricted in his license.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to land downwind on a short runway with an excessive approach speed, compounded by his visual impairment which restricts his pilot certificate to student privileges.

All Cessna 152 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Mar 1983 Cessna 152 accident near Mt. Carmel, IL?

A student pilot flying a light aircraft landed downwind on a short runway, overrunning the pavement and nosing into a plowed field due to excessive speed and insufficient stopping distance.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Mar 1983 involved a Cessna 152, registration N5119Q, at Mt. Carmel, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to land downwind on a short runway with an excessive approach speed, compounded by his visual impairment which restricts his pilot certificate to student privileges.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X42374. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.