Casualties unknown

1991-09-11: Cessna 152 (N93621) — Louisiana Tech University — Ruston, LA

Ruston, LA, US

On September 11, 1991, a Cessna 152 (registration N93621) operated by Louisiana Tech University was involved in an aviation accident near Ruston, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The instructor pilot's decision to attempt a takeoff in unsuitable terrain following a forced landing caused by a simulated engine failure that resulted in total power loss. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 9 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

An instructor pilot simulated an engine failure for a student, performed a forced landing, then attempted takeoff in unsuitable terrain resulting in a fatal crash.

What happened

The flight involved an instructor pilot and a student engaged in training. During the operation, the instructor initiated a simulation of an engine failure to demonstrate procedures to the student. While this scenario was being conducted, the aircraft experienced a total loss of power.

Following the power loss, the crew executed a forced landing. The landing itself was successful, and the instructor was able to restart the engine after the aircraft had come to rest on the ground. Despite the successful recovery of the engine, the instructor elected to attempt another takeoff from the location where the forced landing had occurred.

The terrain at this location was unsuitable for the operation. The airplane became airborne briefly but shortly thereafter collided with the terrain. No specific aircraft registration or tail number was provided in the source documentation.

The investigation

The available records do not contain detailed mechanical findings or a separate investigative narrative regarding the condition of the aircraft beyond the stated sequence of events. The focus remains on the operational decisions made by the crew during and after the simulated emergency.

Findings

The primary factors contributing to the accident were the unsuitable terrain selected for the takeoff attempt and the decision to fly in that environment following a forced landing. The source indicates that the instructor pilot's choice to operate in terrain that was not suitable for the maneuver led directly to the collision. The initial simulated engine failure resulted in a genuine total loss of power, which necessitated the forced landing.

Safety message

Pilots must ensure that terrain is suitable for takeoff and landing operations, particularly after an emergency event. Attempting to resume flight from an unsuitable location following a forced landing poses significant risks.

Probable cause

The instructor pilot's decision to attempt a takeoff in unsuitable terrain following a forced landing caused by a simulated engine failure that resulted in total power loss.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18095. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.