No fatalities

Runway Light Contact During Crosswind Landing Training (N96096)

Front Royal, VA, US

On November 14, 1989, a Cessna 152 (registration N96096) operated by Randolf Macon Academy was involved in an aviation accident near Front Royal, VA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT (CFI) TO MAINTAIN PROPER RUNWAY ALIGNMENT WITH THE RUNWAY. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE: THE STUDENT PILOT'S HIGH AND FAST APPROACH, THE CFI'S DELAY IN INITIATING REMEDIAL ACTION, THE CROSSWIND, AND THE RUNWAYLIGHT. 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 flight instructor took control from a student during a high and fast approach, but a gust of wind caused the aircraft to drift, strike a runway light, and contact the ground nose low, resulting in damage.

Incident Overview

A flight instructor reported that during a training flight, the student pilot was high and fast on final approach. The instructor assumed control of the aircraft, reduced power, and made corrections for a crosswind. While on approach, a gust of wind caused the aircraft to drift to the right of the runway.

Sequence of Events

In response to the drift, the instructor applied power and left rudder to correct the situation. However, the aircraft subsequently struck a runway light and crossed over the runway. After crossing, the aircraft made contact with the ground in a nose-low attitude.

Damage

The aircraft sustained damage as a result of the ground contact. The specific extent of the damage was not detailed.

Additional Information

The instructor was acting as a certified flight instructor (CFI) during the incident. The source provided no further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, location, date, or injuries.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Nov 1989 Cessna 152 accident near Front Royal, VA?

A flight instructor took control from a student during a high and fast approach, but a gust of wind caused the aircraft to drift, strike a runway light, and contact the ground nose low, resulting in damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Nov 1989 Cessna 152 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Nov 1989 involved a Cessna 152, registration N96096, operated by Randolf Macon Academy, at Front Royal, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT (CFI) TO MAINTAIN PROPER RUNWAY ALIGNMENT WITH THE RUNWAY. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE: THE STUDENT PILOT'S HIGH AND FAST APPROACH, THE CFI'S DELAY IN INITIATING REMEDIAL ACTION, THE CROSSWIND, AND THE RUNWAYLIGHT.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29749. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.