Casualties unknown

1992-02-27: Cessna 152 (N5488M) — Raleigh East Airport — Knightdale, NC

Knightdale, NC, US

On February 27, 1992, a Cessna 152 (registration N5488M) operated by Raleigh East Airport was involved in an aviation accident near Knightdale, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's control inputs were not sufficient to prevent the airplane from departing the runway surface. 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

During a soft field landing, a student pilot's inadequate control inputs allowed the airplane to drift left, depart the runway, and nose over in soft mud. Postaccident inspection found no mechanical issues.

Flight Activities

The student pilot began the flight by performing three crosswind landings. Following these, the pilot proceeded to the northeast to practice airwork maneuvers. The pilot then returned to the traffic pattern and prepared for a soft field landing.

Landing and Runway Excursion

The flare and touchdown phases of the landing were uneventful. However, after the aircraft touched down, it drifted to the left. The pilot's control inputs were insufficient to correct the drift, and the airplane departed the runway surface. The aircraft entered an area of soft mud adjacent to the runway.

Accident Sequence

As the aircraft bogged down in the soft mud, the nose wheel collapsed, causing the airplane to nose over. The aircraft came to rest in an inverted position.

Postaccident Findings

A postaccident inspection of the airplane was conducted. No mechanical malfunctions or failures were found. The airplane was operating normally prior to the accident.

Probable cause

The student pilot's control inputs were not sufficient to prevent the airplane from departing the runway surface.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14074. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.