Casualties unknown

1990-09-28: Cessna 152 (N6581M) — Tri-county Flight School, Inc. — Erie, CO

Erie, CO, US

On September 28, 1990, a Cessna 152 (registration N6581M) operated by Tri-county Flight School, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Erie, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE STUDENT PILOT'S MISJUDGEMENT OF DISTANCE AND ALTITUDE, AND THE INSTRUCTOR'S INADEQUATE SUPERVISION. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During dual transition instruction, a glider-rated student pilot severed two powerlines on final approach, landed short of the runway, struck a dirt bank, and overturned. The instructor felt the airplane was low but not dangerously so.

Incident Overview

A glider-rated student pilot, receiving dual transition instruction, was conducting touch-and-go landings. On the fourth approach, the instructor noted that the airplane was low but not dangerously so, and instructed the student to add power. The instructor observed orange marker balls on powerlines but believed the airplane had cleared them. The airplane subsequently severed two powerlines, landed short of the runway, struck a dirt bank, and overturned.

Aircraft and Runway Information

Runway 9 was equipped with low-intensity runway lights and did not have a Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI). No further details about the aircraft type, registration, engine count, or operator were provided in the source.

Sequence of Events

The student pilot was performing touch-and-go landings as part of dual transition training. On the fourth approach, the instructor perceived the airplane's altitude as low but assessed it as not dangerous. The instructor told the student to add power. Seeing the orange marker balls on the powerlines, the instructor believed the airplane had cleared them. However, the airplane struck and severed two powerlines, landed short of the runway, impacted a dirt bank, and overturned.

Injuries and Damage

The source does not specify any injuries to occupants or the extent of damage to the aircraft beyond the severed powerlines, landing short, and overturning.

Probable Cause

The source does not provide a stated probable cause for this incident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24253. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.