On June 27, 1990, a Cessna 152 (registration N64845) was involved in an aviation accident near Reno, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain control during takeoff due to gusting winds. 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 student pilot lost control of the aircraft during takeoff at Burbank Airport when a gust of wind caused the nose to pitch up and down, leading to a ground impact.
What happened
The student pilot was conducting a takeoff on runway 16R at Bob Hope Airport (BUR) in Burbank, California. During the ground roll, the pilot noted a quartering tailwind condition. After becoming airborne and reaching approximately 10 feet above ground level, a gust of wind impacted the aircraft. The pilot reported being unable to maintain directional control as the nose pitched up and then down toward the runway surface. There were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the aircraft at the time of the accident. The winds were from 300 degrees at 11 knots gusting to 20 knots.
Findings
The pilot's inability to maintain control during the critical phase of takeoff was attributed to the wind conditions. The quartering tailwind and subsequent gust created a challenging environment for the student pilot, leading to the loss of control.
Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain control during takeoff due to gusting winds.
What happened in the 27 Jun 1990 Cessna 152 accident near Reno, NV?
A student pilot lost control of the aircraft during takeoff at Burbank Airport when a gust of wind caused the nose to pitch up and down, leading to a ground impact.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 Jun 1990 involved a Cessna 152, registration N64845, at Reno, NV.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's failure to maintain control during takeoff due to gusting winds.
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