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Witness Reports Aircraft Descending with Wings Folded in Near Vertical Descent (N69260)

Marysville, WA, US

On December 6, 1992, a Cessna 152 (registration N69260) operated by Snohomish Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Marysville, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE DESIGN STRESS LIMITS OF THE AIRFRAME WERE EXCEEDED BY THE STUDENT PILOT. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A witness observed an aircraft descending nearly vertically with its wings folded. Damage included a folded horizontal stabilizer and downward failing wings. The day prior, a student requested spin training, but the instructor declined due to parachute requirements.

Accident Description

A witness described observing the aircraft descending with its wings folded in a near vertical descent.

Aircraft Damage

Examination of the aircraft revealed that the left side of the horizontal stabilizer was folded downward nearly 90 degrees at approximately mid spar. The right elevator and right side of the horizontal stabilizer were also folded downward in two locations. Both wings showed evidence of failing downward outboard of the wing strut attachment points.

Prior Flight Activity

During a dual instructional flight the previous day, the student had asked the instructor to demonstrate spins. The instructor declined, advising the student that parachutes were required for spin training.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Dec 1992 Cessna 152 accident near Marysville, WA?

A witness observed an aircraft descending nearly vertically with its wings folded. Damage included a folded horizontal stabilizer and downward failing wings. The day prior, a student requested spin training, but the instructor declined due to parachute requirements.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Dec 1992 involved a Cessna 152, registration N69260, operated by Snohomish Flying Service, at Marysville, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE DESIGN STRESS LIMITS OF THE AIRFRAME WERE EXCEEDED BY THE STUDENT PILOT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X16236. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.