Casualties unknown

1993-05-11: Cessna 152 (N714ZL) — Elko, NV

Elko, NV, US

On May 11, 1993, a Cessna 152 (registration N714ZL) was involved in an aviation accident near Elko, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE IN NOT DETERMINING THE SURFACE WINDS PRIOR TO LANDING WHICH RESULTED IN A LANDING IN CONDITIONS BEYOND THE DEMONSTRATED CAPABILITY OF THE AIRPLANE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 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 pilot attempting to land on runway 5 experienced a sudden crosswind gust, causing the aircraft to drift left, contact terrain, and nose over after hitting a berm.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that after arriving over the airport, they attempted unsuccessfully to contact someone on UNICOM for an airport advisory. Unable to raise anyone, the pilot tried to locate a wind tee or windsock to determine the wind conditions and active runway, again without success. The pilot then observed other aircraft in the traffic pattern for runway 5 and entered the pattern for that runway.

Landing and Loss of Control

During the landing flare, a sudden and strong crosswind gust began pushing the aircraft to the left side of the runway. The pilot attempted to execute a go-around; however, the aircraft contacted the ground, struck a berm, and nosed over.

Weather Conditions

The National Weather Service surface observation taken at the time of the accident reported winds from 190 degrees at 14 knots, with gusts to 26 knots. The crosswind component for runway 5 was calculated at 9 knots, with a gust factor to 16 knots. According to Cessna Aircraft, the maximum demonstrated crosswind component for the Cessna 150/152 series aircraft is 13 knots.

Additional Details

No other information about the aircraft, occupants, or injuries was provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12427. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.