What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-09-29 involved a Cessna C-152 II, registration N48806, operated by Charles Kemner, at Blue Bell, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE, RESULTING IN THE AIRPLANE DRIFTING TO THE LEFT OF THE RUNWAY AND IMPACTING WITH A WINDSOCK POLE. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR A CROSSWIND AND HIS TOTAL LACK OF FLYING EXPERIENCE.

Student Pilot Strikes Windsock Pole During Go-Around After Landing Drift (N48806)

On September 29, 1991, a Cessna C-152 II (registration N48806) operated by Charles Kemner was involved in an aviation accident near Blue Bell, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE, RESULTING IN THE AIRPLANE DRIFTING TO THE LEFT OF THE RUNWAY AND IMPACTING WITH A WINDSOCK POLE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data API Editorial standards

During landing on Runway 24, a student pilot experienced a left drift in crosswind conditions. After attempting to correct, the pilot initiated a go-around, but the left wing struck a windsock pole.

Incident Overview

A student pilot encountered a left drift while landing on Runway 24. The pilot reported a slight crosswind with winds from 240 to 260 degrees at 5 knots, gusting to 10 knots. As the airplane drifted left, the pilot attempted to correct to the right but was unsuccessful. Deciding to abort the landing, the pilot applied full power for a go-around.

Sequence of Events

During the go-around, the pilot noticed a windsock directly in the flight path and was unable to avoid it. The left wing of the airplane struck the windsock pole. The student pilot had accumulated a total flight time of 44 hours at the time of the incident.

Aircraft and Conditions

No further details about the aircraft type, registration, or operator were provided. The runway in use was Runway 24, and the winds were consistent with a slight crosswind from the left. The incident occurred during daylight hours, though the exact time was not specified.

Pilot Experience

The pilot was a student with 44 hours of total flight experience. No additional information about the pilot's training or background was included in the source.

1991-09-29: Cessna C-152 II (N48806) — Charles Kemner — Blue Bell, PA