On August 20, 1989, a Cessna 152 (registration N49938) was involved in an aviation accident near Pensacola, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to abort the takeoff, which resulted in the aircraft overrunning the runway and colliding with trees, compounded by the elevator trim tab being set full nose down. 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 pilot aborted takeoff citing a sudden loss of engine power and attempted to land on the remaining runway but overran into trees. Post-accident inspection found the engine operated normally with no fuel contamination.
What happened
The pilot initiated the takeoff roll but subsequently aborted the maneuver due to a reported loss of engine power. During the abort, the aircraft traveled beyond the departure end of the runway and collided with fallen trees before nosing over.
The investigation
Following the accident, investigators examined the engine and fuel system. The engine was run and operated normally during testing. A thorough inspection of the fuel system revealed no contaminants.
Findings
The elevator trim tab was found positioned in full nose down. This configuration likely contributed to the difficulty in controlling the aircraft during the high-speed abort and overrun.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to abort the takeoff, which resulted in the aircraft overrunning the runway and colliding with trees, compounded by the elevator trim tab being set full nose down.
What happened in the 20 Aug 1989 Cessna 152 accident near Pensacola, FL?
A pilot aborted takeoff citing a sudden loss of engine power and attempted to land on the remaining runway but overran into trees. Post-accident inspection found the engine operated normally with no fuel contamination.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 Aug 1989 involved a Cessna 152, registration N49938, at Pensacola, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to abort the takeoff, which resulted in the aircraft overrunning the runway and colliding with trees, compounded by the elevator trim tab being set full nose down.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…