On July 25, 1984, a Cessna 152 (registration N64985) operated by Dagnon Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Lakeville, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot allowed the nosewheel to contact the runway prematurely and, while reaching for the carburetor heat control to shut it off for takeoff, allowed the aircraft to depart the right side of the runway, leading to the veer and subsequent nose-over… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 10 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a touch-and-go landing, the aircraft veered right, exited the runway, and nosed over after the nose wheel struck a manhole cover protruding 12-18 inches above ground. The student pilot reported premature nosewheel contact and reaching for the carburetor heat control.
Accident Overview
A student pilot was conducting a touch-and-go landing when the aircraft veered to the right and departed the runway. The nose wheel subsequently struck a manhole cover that protruded approximately 12 to 18 inches above the surrounding ground. Contact with the cover caused the aircraft to nose over.
Pilot Statement
The student pilot stated that he had allowed the nosewheel to contact the runway prematurely during the landing. While reaching for the carburetor heat control to shut it off for the takeoff portion of the maneuver, he allowed the aircraft to depart the right side of the runway.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft was performing a touch-and-go landing.
During the landing roll, it veered to the right and exited the runway surface.
The nose wheel then struck a manhole cover protruding above ground level.
Upon striking the cover, the aircraft nosed over.
Probable cause
The student pilot allowed the nosewheel to contact the runway prematurely and, while reaching for the carburetor heat control to shut it off for takeoff, allowed the aircraft to depart the right side of the runway, leading to the veer and subsequent nose-over after striking a protruding manhole cover.
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