Casualties unknown

1991-05-23: Cessna 152 (N93002) — Raleigh East Airport — Knightdale, NC

Knightdale, NC, US

On May 23, 1991, a Cessna 152 (registration N93002) operated by Raleigh East Airport was involved in an aviation accident near Knightdale, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE STUDENT PILOT'S DELAY IN ABORTING THE TAKEOFF. THE PILOT'S CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE AIRPLANE WITH A KNOWN DISCREPANCY AND THE OPERATOR'S PREVIOUS IMPROPER MAINTENANCE/INSPECTION OF THE PITOT/STATIC SYSTEM WERE FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 11 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

A student pilot aborted a takeoff after noticing the airspeed indicator did not move. During a second takeoff attempt, the aircraft ran off the runway, hitting a ditch and fence. The pitot tube had been cleared of dirt earlier but no maintenance inspection was conducted.

Incident Description

During the takeoff roll for a solo flight, the student pilot observed that the airspeed indicator did not move. The pilot stopped the airplane, shut off the engine, and examined the pitot tube and static port. They did not appear to be blocked. A second takeoff was attempted. Approximately halfway down the runway, the airspeed indicator showed 50 knots, then decreased. While trying to abort the takeoff, the aircraft ran off the end of the runway, struck a ditch, and then a fence.

Previous Discrepancy and Maintenance Actions

Earlier that day, another pilot had reported the same airspeed indicator discrepancy. An instructor pilot removed dirt from the pitot tube using a wire. However, no maintenance inspection of the airplane was performed, and a written discrepancy was not made. The operator or owner did not use pitot covers.

Additional Information

The report does not specify the aircraft type, registration, date, location, or any injuries resulting from the incident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16918. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.