Casualties unknown

1999-07-23: Cessna 152 (N95534) — Andrews University — Berrien Springs, MI

Berrien Springs, MI, US

On July 23, 1999, a Cessna 152 (registration N95534) operated by Andrews University was involved in an aviation accident near Berrien Springs, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure to obtain a proper climb rate and the delayed remedial action by the certified flight instructor. Contributing factors were the uphill terrain and trees. 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 dual student and certified flight instructor were conducting an instructional flight that ended with terrain impact during a go-around from runway 21. The go-around was initiated a quarter down the 2,075-foot turf runway. Upsloping terrain and 85-foot trees were present near the departure end.

Accident Overview

An instructional flight involving a dual student and a certified flight instructor impacted terrain during a go-around from runway 21. The runway was a turf strip measuring 2,075 feet in length and 200 feet in width. According to the dual student, the final approach speed was 70 knots. The student reported that the go-around was executed approximately one-quarter of the way down the runway.

Pilot Reports

The certified flight instructor stated, "...we seemed to be in ground effect..." The instructor did not elaborate further on the conditions or events leading to the impact. The dual student's account corroborated the go-around initiation point and approach speed.

Terrain and Environmental Factors

Upsloping terrain and trees were present approximately 1,000 feet from the departure end of the runway. The trees were noted to be 85 feet in height. The combination of the upsloping terrain and the obstacle made the area near the departure end of the runway a potential hazard for aircraft executing a go-around.

Aircraft Examination

An inspection of the aircraft revealed no anomalies. The aircraft was found to be in normal operating condition with no pre-existing mechanical issues identified. The absence of anomalies suggests that the aircraft's systems and structure were not compromised prior to the occurrence.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19208. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.