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Casualties unknown

Cessna 152 Strikes Dirt Bank During Night Approach (N757QE)

Bakersfield, CA, US

On January 18, 1987, a Cessna C-152 (registration N757QE) operated by C & B Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Bakersfield, CA. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A Cessna 152 collided with a dirt bank about 140 ft left of the runway edge during a night approach. The pilot was unable to activate low-intensity runway lights; the airport's rotating beacon was inoperative per NOTAM. The passenger was manipulating the controls.

Accident Details

During a night approach, a Cessna 152 collided with a dirt bank located approximately 140 feet to the left of the runway edge. The runway safety area at the airport extends 60 feet from the runway centerline.

Pilot and Passenger Statements

The pilot in command (PIC) reported that after repeated attempts, he was unable to activate the low-intensity runway lights. The airport's rotating beacon was also inoperative. The PIC stated that the private pilot passenger was manipulating the controls at the time of the accident and had aligned the aircraft on what was thought to be the runway.

Lighting System and Testing

The pilot-controlled airport lighting system had been operated 10 hours prior to the accident with no noted deficiencies. Subsequent testing also revealed no deficiencies. The aircraft radios were destroyed in the post-crash fire and could not be tested. The airport's rotating beacon was reported out of service, which was published in NOTAMs.

Alternative Airport

Another airport located 6 nautical miles north is equipped with high-intensity runway lights (HIRL) and medium-intensity runway lights (MIRL) on either of its two runways, which operate continually.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Jan 1987 Cessna C-152 accident near Bakersfield, CA?

A Cessna 152 collided with a dirt bank about 140 ft left of the runway edge during a night approach. The pilot was unable to activate low-intensity runway lights; the airport's rotating beacon was inoperative per NOTAM. The passenger was manipulating the controls.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Jan 1987 involved a Cessna C-152, registration N757QE, operated by C & B Flying Service, at Bakersfield, CA.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X30106. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.