Student Pilot Hangar Impact During Solo Crosswind Takeoff

Casualties unknown • Albuquerque, NM, US

A student pilot practicing unsupervised solo flight in gusty crosswinds became distracted during takeoff, failed to correct for left drift, and struck a hangar after aborting the attempt.

What happened

The incident occurred while a student pilot was conducting an unsupervised solo flight. The weather conditions at the time included gusty crosswinds, which presented significant handling challenges during the takeoff phase.

During the initial roll, the pilot became distracted and failed to apply the necessary corrections to counteract a leftward drift. As the aircraft began to veer off the runway centerline, the pilot had already removed all aileron correction. In an attempt to regain control as the left wing rose, the pilot inadvertently applied left rudder input.

Recognizing the loss of directional control, the pilot attempted to abort the takeoff by applying forward pressure on the control yoke. However, the throttle was not reduced during this maneuver. Consequently, the propeller struck the runway surface several times as the aircraft departed the paved area to the left. The right wing then collided with a runway light.

The aircraft became airborne again due to a small rise in the terrain near the runway edge. It subsequently flew into the corner of a nearby hangar, resulting in contact between the propeller and the hangar wall. The aircraft came to rest after rebounding from the structure.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in an aborted takeoff and subsequent collision with a hangar.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1987-04-15 Cessna 152 accident near Albuquerque, NM?

A student pilot practicing unsupervised solo flight in gusty crosswinds became distracted during takeoff, failed to correct for left drift, and struck a hangar after aborting the attempt.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1987-04-15 involved a Cessna 152, registration N5280Q, operated by Double Eagle Aviation, at Albuquerque, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in an aborted takeoff and subsequent collision with a hangar.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X30650. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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