Casualties unknown

1998-11-15: Cessna 152 (N89101) — Caldwell, NJ

Caldwell, NJ, US

On November 15, 1998, a Cessna 152 (registration N89101) was involved in an aviation accident near Caldwell, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the student's pilot's inadequate climb and his failure to maintain adequate altitude and clearance. A related factor was the wind gusts. 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 solo flight, a student pilot experienced a gust of wind that lifted the airplane to a nose-high pitch attitude on landing. Applying full power did not result in a climb, and the airplane descended, colliding with terrain. No mechanical deficiencies were reported.

Incident Details

A student pilot was conducting a local solo flight, performing practice maneuvers for approximately 2 hours. On the landing approach to runway 27, the pilot reported that a gust of wind lifted the airplane to a nose-high pitch attitude. In response, the pilot applied full power to abort the landing. However, the airplane did not climb and subsequently descended, colliding with terrain.

Pilot Report

The student pilot stated that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane. The pilot's account indicates that the event was initiated by a wind gust affecting the aircraft's pitch attitude during the landing phase.

Weather Conditions

The reported wind at the time was from 300 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 20 knots. The gusty conditions likely influenced the aircraft's behavior during the landing attempt.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11441. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.