On June 4, 1989, a Cessna 152 (registration N69271) operated by Sharon Battreall was involved in an aviation accident near Dover Afb, DE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER FLARE, IMPROPER RECOVERY FROM A BOUNCED LANDING, AND HIS DELAY IN INITIATING A GO-AROUND, WHICH RESULTED IN AN UNCONTROLLED PORPOISE, LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL, AND AN UNCONTROLLED GROUND SWERVE. 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.
A student pilot landing on Runway 19 experienced an abrupt descent from 15 ft, multiple bounces, and a go-around attempt that resulted in a runway excursion and nose-over after contacting a ditch.
Narrative
A student pilot was conducting a landing on Runway 19. The pilot reported that the approach was normal until the aircraft reached an altitude of about 15 feet above ground level (AGL). At that point, the aircraft abruptly descended and contacted the runway. It bounced two or three times, after which the student elected to abort the landing and perform a go-around. Power was applied, but the aircraft settled back onto the runway and traveled off the left side into a grass area. Before the student could stop the aircraft, it contacted a ditch and nosed over.
Weather Conditions
The wind was reported from 290 degrees at 13 knots at the time of the incident. No other weather conditions were specified.
Post-Event
Details regarding injuries, aircraft damage, and emergency response were not provided in the source. The sequence of events concluded with the aircraft nosed over after contacting the ditch.
What happened in the 4 Jun 1989 Cessna 152 accident near Dover Afb, DE?
A student pilot landing on Runway 19 experienced an abrupt descent from 15 ft, multiple bounces, and a go-around attempt that resulted in a runway excursion and nose-over after contacting a ditch.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Jun 1989 involved a Cessna 152, registration N69271, operated by Sharon Battreall, at Dover Afb, DE.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S IMPROPER FLARE, IMPROPER RECOVERY FROM A BOUNCED LANDING, AND HIS DELAY IN INITIATING A GO-AROUND, WHICH RESULTED IN AN UNCONTROLLED PORPOISE, LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL, AND AN UNCONTROLLED GROUND SWERVE. HIS LACK OF EXPERIENCE, A CROSSWIND, AND THE DITCH WERE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS.
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