Casualties unknown

1997-11-12: Cessna 152 (N48863) — Blaine, MN

Blaine, MN, US

On November 12, 1997, a Cessna 152 (registration N48863) was involved in an aviation accident near Blaine, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fatigue fracture of the left flap cable. 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 stall practice, a loud bang was heard followed by a roll. Post-accident examination revealed a fatigue fracture of the left flap cable.

Incident Overview

An instructor and student were practicing stall maneuvers when, during a recovery, the instructor heard a loud 'bang' followed by an uncommanded roll to the left. The instructor verified that the aircraft remained under control and conducted a visual inspection, discovering that the left flap was retracted while the right flap was still extended.

Flight and Landing

After unsuccessful troubleshooting attempts, the instructor instructed the student to fly the aircraft back to the airport. The landing was executed without any problems.

Post-Accident Examination

A post-accident examination by the NTSB Materials Laboratory determined that the flap cable had fractured due to fatigue. The cable exhibited signs of fatigue cracking before the final failure.

Probable cause

Fatigue fracture of the left flap cable.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X09141. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.