No fatalities

Pilot Reports Hard Landing and Engine Fire After Go-Around with Unintended Full Flaps (N49209)

Raton, NM, US

On July 29, 1995, a Cessna 152 (registration N49209) operated by Aims Community College was involved in an aviation accident near Raton, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADVERTENT ACTIVATION OF THE FLAPS. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE WEATHER CONDITIONS AND THE DARK NIGHT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 10 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 pilot reported two go-arounds due to tailwind, then during a third approach, turbulence caused her hand to slip, extending flaps to 30 degrees, leading to a porpoising landing and subsequent engine fire.

Incident Overview

A pilot recounted an event during which she attempted to land on Runway 20 twice, but aborted both approaches due to a tailwind on final. She then set up for a landing on Runway 25, but initiated another go-around because of the wind conditions.

Go-Around and Flap Extension

During the go-around, after adding full power, the pilot stated that "turbulence caused my hand to slip down on the flap lever giving the aircraft full flaps (30 degrees)." The aircraft then porpoised down the runway and landed "very hard" on the landing gear.

Post-Landing Events

After the hard landing, the pilot retarded the throttle and brought the aircraft to a full stop. Upon exiting the aircraft, the pilot noticed a fire under the engine cowling.

Investigation

The pilot's statement is the primary source of information for this incident. No further analysis or causal factors have been provided by the investigating authority.

All Cessna 152 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Jul 1995 Cessna 152 accident near Raton, NM?

A pilot reported two go-arounds due to tailwind, then during a third approach, turbulence caused her hand to slip, extending flaps to 30 degrees, leading to a porpoising landing and subsequent engine fire.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Jul 1995 Cessna 152 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Jul 1995 involved a Cessna 152, registration N49209, operated by Aims Community College, at Raton, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S INADVERTENT ACTIVATION OF THE FLAPS. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE WEATHER CONDITIONS AND THE DARK NIGHT.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03977. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.