FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Go-Around Mishap: Student's Door Opens, Aircraft Deviates and Strikes Obstacles (N68243)

Mitchellville, MD, US

On December 7, 1990, a Cessna 152 (registration N68243) operated by Freeway Airport, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Mitchellville, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE STUDENT PILOT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT, AND INADEQUATE SUPERVISION BY THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT (CFI). FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT OF THE AIRCRAFT BY THE PILOT(S) AND IN-FLIGHT OPENING OF THE DOOR. 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

During a training flight, a student pilot's door opened during a go-around, leading to a panic-induced left turn, runway edge touchdown, and collision with VASI lights and a parked aircraft.

Event Overview

A flight instructor and a student pilot were conducting landing practice. At some point, the student was instructed to perform a go-around. During the go-around maneuver, the student's cabin door came open.

Sequence of Events

According to the instructor, the student reacted to the open door by panicking and turning the control wheel to the left. This input caused the aircraft to turn left and subsequently touch down on the left side of the runway. After touching down, the aircraft struck visual approach slope indicator (VASI) lights and then collided with a parked aircraft.

Outcome

The aircraft sustained damage from the impact with the VASI lights and the parked aircraft. No further details about injuries or the extent of damage were provided in the source.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 152 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Dec 1990 Cessna 152 accident near Mitchellville, MD?

During a training flight, a student pilot's door opened during a go-around, leading to a panic-induced left turn, runway edge touchdown, and collision with VASI lights and a parked aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Dec 1990 involved a Cessna 152, registration N68243, operated by Freeway Airport, Inc., at Mitchellville, MD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE STUDENT PILOT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT, AND INADEQUATE SUPERVISION BY THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT (CFI). FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT OF THE AIRCRAFT BY THE PILOT(S) AND IN-FLIGHT OPENING OF THE DOOR.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24726. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.