Casualties unknown

1991-03-12: Cessna 152 (N757XE) — Sunrise Aviation Co. — Santa Ana, CA

Santa Ana, CA, US

On March 12, 1991, a Cessna 152 (registration N757XE) operated by Sunrise Aviation Co. was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Ana, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER INFLIGHT PLANNING WHICH RESULTED IN THE FLIGHT'S ENCOUNTER WITH WAKE TURBULENCE FROM A LANDING HEAVY TRANSPORT. 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 a touch and go landing on Runway 19L, the pilot reported a violent roll to the right during flare; the aircraft struck the runway and was consumed by fire. Tower had warned of possible wake turbulence from a preceding Boeing 757 on Runway 19R.

Details of the Incident

According to the pilot, the accident occurred during the fourth touch and go landing on Runway 19 Left. The air traffic control tower had cautioned the pilot about possible wake turbulence from a Boeing 757 that was landing just ahead on Runway 19 Right. The pilot stated that while in the flare, the aircraft suddenly rolled violently to the right. The aircraft then struck the runway with its right wing and nose. A fire ensued, which consumed the aircraft.

Sequence of Events

The pilot was performing a series of touch and go landings. On the fourth such landing, the tower issued a warning regarding wake turbulence from a heavier aircraft landing on a parallel runway. As the aircraft flared, it experienced an unexpected roll to the right, leading to impact with the runway surface. The collision resulted in a fire that completely destroyed the aircraft.

Weather Conditions

The wind conditions at the time were reported by the tower as 240 degrees at 12 knots.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16631. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.