Casualties unknown

1989-05-27: Cessna 152 (N24521) — Buchanan Flying Club — Concord, CA

Concord, CA, US

On May 27, 1989, a Cessna 152 (registration N24521) operated by Buchanan Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near Concord, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and subsequent collision with a runway locator sign. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 12 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 veered left during the initial climb of his third solo flight, striking a runway locator sign and causing the nose gear to collapse.

What happened

The incident occurred while a student pilot was conducting his third solo flight. Following rotation and during the initial climb phase, the aircraft deviated from the intended flight path, veering toward the left side of the runway. The airplane subsequently struck a runway locator sign positioned near the pavement edge.

Upon impact with the sign, the aircraft returned to the ground. The collision caused significant structural damage, resulting in the collapse of the nose gear. Additionally, the right wheel broke off its axle, and the right wing struck the ground during the subsequent contact.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and subsequent collision with a runway locator sign.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28359. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.