On October 28, 1997, a Cessna 152 (registration N49788) was involved in an aviation accident near Prescott, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student's inadvertent application of left brake during touchdown, and the instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight. 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.
During landing, a student pilot executed an abrupt flare, causing the aircraft to balloon. On touchdown, it turned left, exited the paved surface, struck a drainage swale, and nosed over. The instructor confirmed no mechanical malfunction.
Accident Sequence
The instructor reported that during the landing, the student pilot performed an abrupt flare. This action was followed by the aircraft ballooning. As the aircraft subsequently touched down, it immediately turned violently to the left.
Instructor's Actions
The instructor stated that he took control and applied right rudder in an attempt to stop the turn. Despite this input, the aircraft departed the paved surface. It then encountered a drainage swale located in the grassy area between the runways, causing the aircraft to nose over.
Mechanical Status
The instructor noted that there was no mechanical malfunction of the aircraft prior to the accident.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 28 Oct 1997 Cessna 152 accident near Prescott, AZ?
During landing, a student pilot executed an abrupt flare, causing the aircraft to balloon. On touchdown, it turned left, exited the paved surface, struck a drainage swale, and nosed over. The instructor confirmed no mechanical malfunction.
Were there any fatalities in the 28 Oct 1997 Cessna 152 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Oct 1997 involved a Cessna 152, registration N49788, at Prescott, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student's inadvertent application of left brake during touchdown, and the instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight.