Casualties unknown

1996-03-08: Cessna 152 (N49048) — Santa Paula, CA

Santa Paula, CA, US

On March 8, 1996, a Cessna 152 (registration N49048) was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Paula, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the student pilot to maintain directional control and proper runway alignment during the landing. 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 practicing short-field landings lost control on runway 4 when crosswinds gusted to 35 knots, causing the aircraft to veer off the right side and strike a parked car. No preimpact malfunctions were reported.

Incident Overview

A student pilot was conducting a short-field landing practice on runway 4 when the aircraft exited the runway to the right and collided with a parked car. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane.

Weather Conditions

At the time of the incident, the wind was variable between 040 and 070 degrees at 20 knots, gusting to 35 knots. This created a significant crosswind component for the landing on runway 4.

Pilot Experience and Endorsement

The student pilot had received an endorsement from her instructor to conduct repeated flights between Burbank and Santa Paula, but only under wind conditions of less than 15 knots and with a crosswind component of less than 5 knots. The actual wind conditions during the flight exceeded these limits.

Approach and Landing

During the final approach, the student applied crosswind correction to counteract the wind. However, during the landing phase, the airplane deviated from the runway and went off the right side, striking a parked car.

Post-Incident Observations

The student pilot stated that there was no evidence of any preimpact mechanical issues with the aircraft. The aircraft came to rest after striking the parked car.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05425. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.