Accident Sequence
A witness, flying southbound at about 1,000 feet en route to FXE, reported observing the accident airplane approximately 200 to 300 feet below the 2,000-foot ceiling. The airplane was in an extreme nose-high attitude. It then rolled to the left, pitched nose-down, and entered a left spin, descending until it collided with the Everglades.
Postcrash Examination
A postcrash examination of the aircraft structure, flight controls, engine, and propeller showed no evidence of precrash mechanical failure or malfunction.
Manual Guidance
The Information Manual for the Cessna 152, Section 4, Normal Procedures, provides guidance on spin entries. It states that spin entries should be initiated at an altitude sufficient to complete recoveries at 4,000 feet or more above ground level (AGL). The manual further notes that at least 1,000 feet of altitude loss should be anticipated for a one-turn spin and recovery, and that entries should be planned so that recoveries are completed at least 1,500 feet AGL.