Casualties unknown

1997-08-08: Cessna 152 (N757WL) — Southeastern School OF Aero. — Macon, GA

Macon, GA, US

On August 8, 1997, a Cessna 152 (registration N757WL) operated by Southeastern School OF Aero. was involved in an aviation accident near Macon, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of control of the airplane due to the pilot's improperly planned approach and failure to maintain adequate airspeed. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 9 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 training flight for crosswind operations, the pilot performed a go-around after a high, fast approach, but the airplane stalled and struck power lines before impacting the ground.

Incident Overview

A training flight intended for practicing crosswind takeoffs and landings ended when the airplane stalled during a go-around attempt and collided with power lines, according to a witness. The accident occurred on the final landing of the session.

Approach and Go-Around

The airplane was approaching the runway high and fast. The pilot determined that there was insufficient remaining runway to complete the landing and therefore initiated a go-around. During the go-around maneuver, the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall.

Stall and Impact

A witness reported that the stalled airplane struck power lines and then descended directly into the ground. The pilot stated that the airplane's indicated airspeed at the time was between 50 and 55 knots.

Aircraft Stall Speed Reference

According to the pilot's operating handbook for the Cessna 152, the stall speed in the landing configuration is 35 knots. The pilot's reported airspeed was higher than this reference speed, though the exact conditions at the moment of the stall were not specified in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08552. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.