Casualties unknown

Instructor Demonstrates Engine-Out Emergency Before Nosewheel Fence Collision (N94370)

Mounds, OK, US

On June 13, 1988, a Cessna 152 (registration N94370) operated by National Education Center was involved in an aviation accident near Mounds, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine balking during an attempted go-around, followed by insufficient runway distance for subsequent takeoff attempts, resulting in a nosewheel collision with a fence and subsequent rollover. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

During a training flight involving an engine-out emergency demonstration, the aircraft experienced balking during go-around and aborted takeoffs due to insufficient runway distance before colliding with a fence on departure.

What happened

The incident occurred during a flight instruction session where the instructor was demonstrating an engine-out emergency procedure to a student pilot. During the exercise, the engine balked while attempting a go-around, forcing the crew to complete the landing instead.

Following the landing, the aircraft attempted takeoff multiple times. The first two takeoff attempts were aborted because there was insufficient distance available to complete the ground run safely. On the subsequent takeoff attempt, the aircraft became airborne; however, the nosewheel collided with a fence located at the departure end of the field. The impact caused the aircraft to strike the ground and flip over.

The investigation

The narrative indicates that mechanical issues contributed to the initial disruption of the flight plan. Specifically, the engine balked during the go-around phase, which necessitated an unplanned landing. Subsequent takeoff attempts were constrained by runway length limitations, leading to aborted departures before the final collision occurred.

Findings

The sequence of events highlights a critical chain of failures starting with an engine performance issue during a training maneuver. The inability to complete the go-around led to a landing, which was followed by multiple aborted takeoffs due to insufficient runway distance. The final outcome resulted from the nosewheel striking a fence at the departure end of the field, causing the aircraft to flip over upon impact with the ground.

Probable cause

Engine balking during an attempted go-around, followed by insufficient runway distance for subsequent takeoff attempts, resulting in a nosewheel collision with a fence and subsequent rollover.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Jun 1988 Cessna 152 accident near Mounds, OK?

During a training flight involving an engine-out emergency demonstration, the aircraft experienced balking during go-around and aborted takeoffs due to insufficient runway distance before colliding with a fence on departure.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Jun 1988 involved a Cessna 152, registration N94370, operated by National Education Center, at Mounds, OK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Engine balking during an attempted go-around, followed by insufficient runway distance for subsequent takeoff attempts, resulting in a nosewheel collision with a fence and subsequent rollover.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X25958. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.