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Casualties unknown

Pilot Misinterprets Runway Advisory, Aircraft Noses Over After Off-Runway Landing (N6479P)

Zephyrhills, FL, US

On December 3, 1989, a Cessna 152 (registration N6479P) operated by Alternative Flying Club, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Zephyrhills, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE STUDENT PILOT NOT OBTAINING THE CURRENT WIND INFORMATION WHICH RESULTED IN SELECTING THE WRONG RUNWAY FOR LANDING; IMPROPER RECOVERY FROM A BOUNCED LANDING. CONTRIBUTING FACTOR(S) WAS: THE STUDENT PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE AND THE TAILWIND CONDITIONS. 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 pilot misinterpreted a UNICOM advisory about the active runway, leading to a landing with a right quartering tailwind. The aircraft bounced, drifted off the runway, flew over a ditch, stalled, and nosed over in sand.

Incident Summary

A pilot reported that upon contacting UNICOM, he heard that Runway 32 was the active runway. However, as Runway 32 does not exist at the airport, he interpreted the active runway as Runway 22. After touching down with a right quartering tailwind, the aircraft bounced, drifted off the runway, flew over a ditch, stalled, and then touched down in sand, nosing over.

UNICOM Communication

The UNICOM operator stated that he heard the pilot call for a runway advisory. Before the operator could issue an advisory, the pilot responded with 'Understand 22 Zephyrhills.' The operator then advised that the winds were favoring Runway 36, but there was no response from the pilot.

Pilot Actions

The pilot also stated that he did not fly over the field to observe the windsock.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 152 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Dec 1989 Cessna 152 accident near Zephyrhills, FL?

A pilot misinterpreted a UNICOM advisory about the active runway, leading to a landing with a right quartering tailwind. The aircraft bounced, drifted off the runway, flew over a ditch, stalled, and nosed over in sand.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Dec 1989 involved a Cessna 152, registration N6479P, operated by Alternative Flying Club, Inc., at Zephyrhills, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE STUDENT PILOT NOT OBTAINING THE CURRENT WIND INFORMATION WHICH RESULTED IN SELECTING THE WRONG RUNWAY FOR LANDING; IMPROPER RECOVERY FROM A BOUNCED LANDING. CONTRIBUTING FACTOR(S) WAS: THE STUDENT PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE AND THE TAILWIND CONDITIONS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29993. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.