Casualties unknown

2000-07-01: Cessna 152 (N68910) — West Point, VA

West Point, VA, US

On July 1, 2000, a Cessna 152 (registration N68910) was involved in an aviation accident near West Point, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. 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 student's second solo landing, the airplane yawed left, exited the runway, and flipped. Post-accident tests found brakes functional and no evidence of skidding.

Accident Overview

A student pilot, flying solo for the first time, experienced a loss of directional control during the second landing attempt, resulting in the airplane departing the left side of Runway 27 and flipping over. The flight instructor had exited the aircraft after the landing preceding the solo departure.

Sequence of Events

The student completed one successful traffic pattern and landing after taking off solo. On the second takeoff and landing, as the airplane touched down, it yawed sharply to the left. The student applied the right brake to correct the heading, but the brake did not appear to respond. The airplane continued left, departed the runway surface, and overturned.

Post-Accident Examination

Investigators manually spun the left and right wheels and applied the corresponding brakes. In both cases, the wheels stopped promptly, indicating the brakes were functionally normal. No flat spots were found on either tire, and no skid marks were observed on the runway. Flight control continuity was verified. Weather conditions were noted with calm wind at the time of the accident.

Probable Cause

No probable cause was stated in the source material.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21564. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.