On July 2, 1989, a Cessna 152 (registration N4953B) operated by Bfb Associates was involved in an aviation accident near Oneida, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during a wind shear encounter, which resulted in the aircraft ballooning and porpoising during the flare. 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 Cessna 152 collided with the runway surface while attempting to land at Oneida County Airport. The pilot reported that a sudden wind direction change caused the aircraft to balloon and porpoise during the flare, making recovery impossible despite immediate throttle input.
What happened
The accident occurred during an approach to land at Oneida County Airport. According to the pilot's account, the aircraft encountered a significant change in wind direction while on final approach. This wind shift caused the aircraft to balloon and porpoise during the flare phase of landing.
Despite the throttle being pushed fully forward, the pilot's response was too late to recover and maintain control of the aircraft. The Cessna 152 subsequently collided with the runway surface.
The investigation
The investigation relied primarily on the pilot's statement regarding the wind conditions and the aircraft's behavior during the final moments of the approach. No mechanical failures were identified as contributing factors.
Findings
Wind direction change during the approach to land
Ballooning and porpoising of the aircraft during flare
Late recovery attempt by the pilot despite full throttle application
Collision with the runway due to loss of control
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control during a wind shear encounter, which resulted in the aircraft ballooning and porpoising during the flare.
What happened in the 2 Jul 1989 Cessna 152 accident near Oneida, NY?
A Cessna 152 collided with the runway surface while attempting to land at Oneida County Airport. The pilot reported that a sudden wind direction change caused the aircraft to balloon and porpoise during the flare, making recovery impossible despite immediate throttle input.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Jul 1989 involved a Cessna 152, registration N4953B, operated by Bfb Associates, at Oneida, NY.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain control during a wind shear encounter, which resulted in the aircraft ballooning and porpoising during the flare.
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