Casualties unknown

1986-08-05: Cessna 152 (N757QR) — Four Winds Aviation — Apple Valley, CA

Apple Valley, CA, US

On August 5, 1986, a Cessna 152 (registration N757QR) operated by Four Winds Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Apple Valley, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 11 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot attempted a takeoff from midfield on Runway 36 without accounting for density altitude. The aircraft overran, nosed over after colliding with a dirt bank, and sustained additional damage from a tailwind.

Incident Overview

A Cessna 152 overran Runway 36 and nosed over on the overrun area. The nose gear collapsed when the aircraft struck a dirt bank, and it came to rest in a nose-down attitude. The aircraft's damage was noted.

Student Pilot Account

The student pilot reported that he attempted the takeoff from midfield on Runway 36 without taking into account the density altitude. He stated that he attempted to abort the takeoff after reaching 40 to 45 knots but was unable to stop the aircraft before it overran the runway. After the aircraft stopped moving, a strong tailwind picked up the tail, nosing over the plane, which caused much of the damage.

Airport Counselor Account

An FAA Accident Prevention Counselor located at the airport stated that the student pilot attempted to take off downwind on Runway 36 from midfield.

Environmental Conditions

The winds were estimated to be from the south-southwest at 20 knots, and the temperature was approximately 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Runway 36 is 6,059 feet long. The computed density altitude was approximately 5,500 feet.

Aircraft Damage

The aircraft nosed over after colliding with a dirt bank, resulting in a collapsed nose gear and the plane coming to rest in a nose-down attitude. Additional damage occurred when a tailwind lifted the tail.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X34517. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.