Casualties unknown

1999-05-25: Cessna 152 (N89854) — Marietta, OK

Marietta, OK, US

On May 25, 1999, a Cessna 152 (registration N89854) was involved in an aviation accident near Marietta, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and failure to release the brakes during a go-around attempt after encountering porpoising on landing. 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

A private pilot lost control of the aircraft while attempting to abort a landing on a turf runway, resulting in a collision with a perimeter fence and trees due to failure to release brakes.

What happened

The incident occurred during the landing phase of flight involving a privately operated aircraft. The pilot, who held 123 hours of total flight time, was attempting to land on a turf runway measuring 3,250 feet in length. During the approach and touchdown sequence, the aircraft experienced porpoising, a phenomenon where the plane oscillates vertically along the runway surface.

In response to this instability, the pilot attempted to execute a go-around by applying additional engine power. However, the pilot failed to release the wheel brakes during this maneuver. The combination of applied power and retained braking caused the aircraft to lose directional control. The airplane subsequently departed the runway environment, colliding with the airport's perimeter fence and nearby trees.

The investigation

The factual narrative indicates that the primary mechanical or operational factor was the pilot's failure to release the brakes while adding power during a critical phase of flight. No other mechanical failures were cited in the provided text.

Findings

Contributing factors included the porpoising event on the turf surface and the subsequent incorrect control input by the pilot. The outcome resulted in significant damage to the aircraft structure upon impact with stationary objects outside the runway limits.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and failure to release the brakes during a go-around attempt after encountering porpoising on landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18783. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.