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Aircraft Collides with Terrain During Simulated Engine Failure Maneuver (N152DM)

Castaic, CA, US

On August 15, 1989, a Cessna 152 (registration N152DM) operated by Southland Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Castaic, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT TO ADEQUATELY SUPERVISE THE CONDUCT OF THE FLIGHT, FAILURE OF THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT TO ENSURE ADEQUATE TERRAIN CLEARANCE PRIOR TO INITIATING THE MANEUVER, AND FAILURE OF THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT TO TAKE TIMELY AND PROPER AND PROPER… 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A CFI and student pilot collided with mountainous terrain while practicing simulated engine failure procedures. The student raised the nose beyond stall attitude, and the CFI recovered but the aircraft hit terrain during the climb-out.

Accident Scenario

During a training flight, a certified flight instructor (CFI) was introducing a 5-hour dual primary student to engine failure emergency procedures. The CFI selected a portion of the practice area that is mountainous, with ridge elevations of about 3,000 ft MSL, to begin the maneuver.

Maneuver and Recovery Attempt

The CFI reduced the power to idle to simulate an engine failure. In response, the student raised the nose of the aircraft rapidly and suddenly to beyond the stall attitude. The CFI stated that he took over at that point, applied power, and pushed the nose over to effect a recovery. The aircraft collided with the mountainous terrain during the recovery as it was achieving a climb attitude.

Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 152 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Aug 1989 Cessna 152 accident near Castaic, CA?

A CFI and student pilot collided with mountainous terrain while practicing simulated engine failure procedures. The student raised the nose beyond stall attitude, and the CFI recovered but the aircraft hit terrain during the climb-out.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Aug 1989 involved a Cessna 152, registration N152DM, operated by Southland Aviation, at Castaic, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT TO ADEQUATELY SUPERVISE THE CONDUCT OF THE FLIGHT, FAILURE OF THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT TO ENSURE ADEQUATE TERRAIN CLEARANCE PRIOR TO INITIATING THE MANEUVER, AND FAILURE OF THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT TO TAKE TIMELY AND PROPER AND PROPER CORRECTIVE ACTIONS ONCE THE SITUATION WAS FULLY DEVELOPED.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29140. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.