Casualties unknown

1996-02-09: Cessna 152 (N6321M) — Wings Over California — San Jose, CA

San Jose, CA, US

On February 9, 1996, a Cessna 152 (registration N6321M) operated by Wings Over California was involved in an aviation accident near San Jose, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the student pilot's improper use of the rudder control and resultant failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing rollout. 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 student pilot reported that after turning final approach high, he lowered the nose, increasing airspeed. The airplane touched down left of the runway centerline, veered right then left onto a grassy field, where the nose gear sank in mud and the airplane nosed over.

Incident Overview

According to the pilot's report, the student pilot was on final approach to land when he realized the airplane was high. To correct the situation, the student lowered the airplane's nose, intending to steepen the approach. This action resulted in an increase in airspeed.

Landing and Control Inputs

During touchdown, the airplane was positioned left of the runway centerline. The student reported applying right rudder, which caused the airplane to veer to the right. Subsequently, left rudder was applied, but the airplane veered excessively to the left and departed the runway surface, entering a grassy field.

Final Position

After entering the grassy field, the nose gear encountered soft mud and sank into it. As a result, the airplane nosed over. The report did not specify further details regarding aircraft damage or injuries.

Probable Cause

The report did not assign a probable cause or contributing factors to the incident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05281. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.