Casualties unknown

Aircraft Impacts Ground During Night Maintenance Flight After Engine Overhaul (N25277)

Lexington, NC, US

On January 30, 1986, a Cessna 152 (registration N25277) was involved in an aviation accident near Lexington, NC. 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 recently certificated private pilot, who also acted as mechanic, completed a top engine overhaul and was conducting a night maintenance flight when the aircraft impacted the ground in a near-vertical attitude one mile from the departure end of Runway 26. No mechanical failure was found.

Overview

An aircraft impacted the ground in a near-vertical attitude in a wooded area approximately one mile from the departure end of Runway 26. The pilot, who also performed as a mechanic, had recently completed a top overhaul on the aircraft engine and was believed to be conducting a night maintenance flight at the time of the accident.

Pilot Information

The pilot held a recently issued private pilot certificate and had accumulated a total flight time of 72 hours.

Aircraft Examination

Post-accident examination of the aircraft and engine failed to disclose any failure or malfunction. No evidence was found to indicate a mechanical issue with the aircraft or its engine prior to impact.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Jan 1986 Cessna 152 accident near Lexington, NC?

A recently certificated private pilot, who also acted as mechanic, completed a top engine overhaul and was conducting a night maintenance flight when the aircraft impacted the ground in a near-vertical attitude one mile from the departure end of Runway 26. No mechanical failure was found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Jan 1986 involved a Cessna 152, registration N25277, at Lexington, NC.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010110X00109. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.