Casualties unknown

1996-09-16: Cessna 152 (N5120H) — San Carlos, AZ

San Carlos, AZ, US

On September 16, 1996, a Cessna 152 (registration N5120H) was involved in an aviation accident near San Carlos, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's decision to attempt a takeoff with the runway lights inoperative, and his failure to maintain runway alignment during an aborted takeoff, after failure of the landing light. 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

During a night VFR takeoff with inoperative runway lights and only 9% moon illumination, the airplane's landing light failed. The pilot aborted but lost directional control, exiting the left side of the runway and collapsing the nose gear on soft terrain.

Accident Sequence

The pilot was beginning a night VFR flight. The moon was only 9 percent illuminated, and the pilot knew that the runway lights were inoperative. During the takeoff roll, the airplane's landing light failed. In response, the pilot aborted the takeoff. While attempting to stop, the pilot was unable to maintain runway alignment, and the airplane went off the left side of the runway. Once off the runway, the airplane encountered soft terrain, and the nose landing gear collapsed.

Contributing Factors

No contributing factors were explicitly stated in the source.

Conclusion

The accident resulted from a loss of directional control during an aborted takeoff at night, following a landing light failure. The airplane exited the runway and sustained damage to the nose landing gear.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06776. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.