Casualties unknown

1985-03-24: Cessna L-19 (N5234G) — Perkasie, PA

Perkasie, PA, US

On March 24, 1985, a Cessna L-19 (registration N5234G) was involved in an aviation accident near Perkasie, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot overcorrected after a wind shift on landing, causing a ground loop. 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

Cessna L-19 ground looped during glider tow practice after student overcorrected for wind shift. Instructor stopped ground loop with rudder and braking; aircraft flipped forward, right gear contacted runway, gear separated.

Aircraft and Flight Details

The aircraft involved was a Cessna L-19, used in a practice flight for glider tow operations under the Philadelphia Glider Council. Two pilots were on board: a student and an instructor.

Incident Description

The flight consisted of multiple takeoffs and landings. During one landing approach, a wind shift occurred. The student pilot attempted to compensate but overcorrected, causing the aircraft to enter a ground loop. The instructor pilot then took control and applied full right rudder and hard braking, which successfully halted the ground loop. After coming to a stop, the aircraft was positioned 20 degrees to the left of the runway centerline.

Subsequently, as the right landing gear contacted the runway surface and right brake was applied, the airplane pitched forward onto its nose, and the right gear separated from the airframe. The source did not specify the extent of damage or injuries.

Probable cause

The student pilot overcorrected after a wind shift on landing, causing a ground loop.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X36039. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.