Casualties unknown

2001-01-10: Cessna 152 (N5394Q) — Central Illinois Air Corp. — Mattoon, IL

Mattoon, IL, US

On January 10, 2001, a Cessna 152 (registration N5394Q) operated by Central Illinois Air Corp. was involved in an aviation accident near Mattoon, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Factors were the crosswind, the pilots lack of total experience, and the snow covered terrain adjacent to the runway. 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 touch-and-go, a student pilot's aircraft veered left off the runway, collapsing the nose gear in snow. The pilot reported windy conditions and a prior rough landing.

Incident Overview

A student pilot experienced a runway excursion during the takeoff portion of a touch-and-go landing. The aircraft departed the left side of the runway, and the nose gear collapsed as it traveled through snow adjacent to the runway.

Pilot Account

The student pilot stated that he had been practicing maneuvers and returned to the airport to land. He described the first landing after returning as "somewhat rough." Despite feeling that conditions were too windy for flying without an instructor, the pilot noted that the hobbs time indicated he still had time for a few more touch-and-goes, so he proceeded to fly two additional landings.

After the third landing, the aircraft was slightly off centerline. The pilot corrected and applied full power for takeoff. At that moment, the aircraft turned left. The pilot attempted to correct, reporting, "but it wouldn't correct. I froze at the controls and the airplane veered to the left side of the runway, hit the snow and stopped suddenly."

Aircraft and Pilot Information

No preexisting anomalies were detected with respect to the aircraft, and the pilot reported none. The student pilot's total flight experience was 18.7 hours, with 2.4 hours as pilot in command.

Weather Conditions

Winds at the airport were reported as 200 degrees magnetic at 12 knots. The pilot was taking off on runway 24.

Response and Outcome

After the aircraft stopped in the snow, the nose gear had collapsed. No further details were provided regarding injuries or damage. The investigation did not identify any mechanical issues with the aircraft.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010118X00320. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.