On September 30, 1990, a Cessna 152 (registration N49553) was involved in an aviation accident near Dothan, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE STUDENT PILOT'S SELECTION OF THE WRONG RUNWAY AND THE SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING TAKEOFF. THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USAGE OF FLIGHT CONTROLS, PRESENCE OF CROSSWIND CONDITIONS, AND HIS OVERALL LACK OF EXPERIENCE WERE FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT. 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 preparing for a supervised solo flight erroneously turned onto runway 31 instead of runway 13 for an intersection departure. During takeoff, directional control was lost and the airplane collided nose-low with the ground.
Accident Overview
A student pilot was preparing for a supervised solo flight when the accident occurred. The pilot had been cleared for an intersection departure on runway 13 but mistakenly turned onto runway 31 and began the takeoff roll.
Sequence of Events
Surface winds were from 060 degrees at 10 knots. During the takeoff roll, the airplane began to veer to the right. The application of right rudder aggravated the situation. After being unable to maintain directional control, the pilot attempted to lift off. The airplane subsequently collided with the ground in a nose-low attitude.
Investigation Findings
No mechanical difficulties with the airplane were reported by the pilot prior to the accident. No probable cause was stated in the official source.
What happened in the 30 Sept 1990 Cessna 152 accident near Dothan, AL?
A student pilot preparing for a supervised solo flight erroneously turned onto runway 31 instead of runway 13 for an intersection departure. During takeoff, directional control was lost and the airplane collided nose-low with the ground.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 30 Sept 1990 involved a Cessna 152, registration N49553, at Dothan, AL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE STUDENT PILOT'S SELECTION OF THE WRONG RUNWAY AND THE SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING TAKEOFF. THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USAGE OF FLIGHT CONTROLS, PRESENCE OF CROSSWIND CONDITIONS, AND HIS OVERALL LACK OF EXPERIENCE WERE FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT.
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