Casualties unknown

Aircraft Suffers Wheel Separation After Porpoising Landing on Runway 36 (N49995)

Olive Branch, MS, US

On June 2, 1985, a Cessna 152 (registration N49995) operated by Metro Flying School was involved in an aviation accident near Olive Branch, MS. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot returning with low fuel experienced an engine failure and elected to land on the opposite runway with a tailwind and conflicting traffic, resulting in a porpoise and left wheel separation.

Introduction

A pilot was returning to the airport with a known low fuel state. The planned landing was to be on Runway 18.

Engine Failure and Runway Change

During the approach to Runway 18, the engine missed. The pilot then elected to land on Runway 36 instead. This decision involved landing with a tailwind and conflicting traffic.

Landing Sequence

The conflicting traffic cleared the runway, and the aircraft was forced onto the runway. A porpoising action resulted from the landing.

Accident Outcome

During the porpoising, the left wheel separated from the aircraft. The aircraft came to a stop just off the north end of Runway 36.

All Cessna 152 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Jun 1985 Cessna 152 accident near Olive Branch, MS?

A pilot returning with low fuel experienced an engine failure and elected to land on the opposite runway with a tailwind and conflicting traffic, resulting in a porpoise and left wheel separation.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Jun 1985 involved a Cessna 152, registration N49995, operated by Metro Flying School, at Olive Branch, MS.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X36663. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.