Casualties unknown

1990-10-20: Cessna 152 (N5331P) — Kent State University — Kent, OH

Kent, OH, US

On October 20, 1990, a Cessna 152 (registration N5331P) operated by Kent State University was involved in an aviation accident near Kent, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF BOTH PILOTS TO MAINTAIN VISUAL SEPARATION IN THE LANDING TRAFFIC PATTERN. FACTORS TO THIS MID-AIR COLLISION WERE THE EXCESSIVE NUMBER OF AIRPLANES IN THE AIRPORT TRAFFIC PATTERN AND RADIO FREQUENCY CONGESTION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 13 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

Two Cessna 152 aircraft collided midair while operating in a congested traffic pattern at a non-towered airport. Both aircraft landed safely after the collision.

Incident Overview

Two Cessna 152 aircraft were involved in a midair collision while operating within a congested airport traffic pattern. At the time of the incident, seven airplanes were in the pattern simultaneously. The airport does not have a control tower.

Traffic Pattern Congestion

The Kent State University flight training coordinator reported that there was a significant amount of transient traffic on the day of the collision. The high volume of aircraft contributed to a saturated radio frequency, with numerous radio calls being made.

Radio Communication Challenges

Due to the large number of aircraft in the pattern, pilots experienced difficulties maintaining visual contact with each other. Some of the aircraft were not familiar with the normal traffic pattern procedures, further complicating the situation. The radio frequency was described as saturated with radio calls, making communication challenging.

Aftermath

Following the midair collision, both airplanes were able to land safely. No further details about the condition of the aircraft or any injuries were provided.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24533. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.