On November 19, 1989, a Cessna 172 (registration N52491) operated by Robert E. Wehmann was involved in an aviation accident near Mitchellville, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT ALLOWED THE AIRCRAFT TO ENTER AN INADVERTENT PORPOISE DURING AN ABORTED TAKEOFF. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
After a local flight, a pilot returned to the airport and initiated another takeoff. The aircraft lifted off but would only climb about 10 feet. The pilot aborted due to trees ahead, and during the abort, the aircraft porpoised, causing the nose gear to collapse.
Incident Overview
A pilot completed a local flight of approximately half an hour and landed at the airport. After landing, the pilot taxied back to the approach end of the runway and began another takeoff. The pilot reported applying full power and achieving full RPM. The aircraft lifted off at an airspeed between 60 and 65 knots but was unable to climb higher than about 10 feet.
Aborted Takeoff and Porpoising
Uncertain whether the aircraft would clear trees at the end of the runway, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff approximately halfway to three-quarters of the way down the runway. During the aborted takeoff, the aircraft began to porpoise. Subsequently, the nose gear collapsed.
No Pre-accident Failures Reported
No pre-accident part failure or malfunction of the aircraft or engine was reported.
What happened in the 19 Nov 1989 Cessna 172 accident near Mitchellville, MD?
After a local flight, a pilot returned to the airport and initiated another takeoff. The aircraft lifted off but would only climb about 10 feet. The pilot aborted due to trees ahead, and during the abort, the aircraft porpoised, causing the nose gear to collapse.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Nov 1989 involved a Cessna 172, registration N52491, operated by Robert E. Wehmann, at Mitchellville, MD.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT ALLOWED THE AIRCRAFT TO ENTER AN INADVERTENT PORPOISE DURING AN ABORTED TAKEOFF.
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