Casualties unknown

2001-10-08: Cessna 152 (N4768Q) — Midlands Aviation Corporation — Greenville, NC

Greenville, NC, US

On October 8, 2001, a Cessna 152 (registration N4768Q) operated by Midlands Aviation Corporation was involved in an aviation accident near Greenville, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The improper flare by the pilot-in-command resulting in a hard landing and subsequent collapse of the nose landing gear due to overload. 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 pilot diverted to Pitt-Greenville Airport due to fuel concerns, landed with no flaps, experienced a nose gear collapse and veered off runway. Wind shift and crosswind landing technique noted.

Incident Overview

A pilot diverted to Pitt-Greenville Airport after approximately three hours of flight, citing fuel concerns. The planned flight duration was two hours and 45 minutes. Upon nearing the airport, the pilot contacted the UNICOM frequency and was advised that the wind varied from the west/northwest direction at 10 knots.

Landing Approach

The pilot entered the traffic pattern for runway 02, the active runway, and decided to land without extending the flaps. On final approach, he used a crab maneuver to compensate for the crosswind. During the flare, he lowered the left wing and applied right rudder input to align the airplane's longitudinal axis with the runway.

Touchdown and Collapse

At the moment the left main landing gear contacted the runway, a squealing sound was heard. The right main landing gear then touched down, also producing a squealing noise. Subsequently, the nose landing gear made contact and collapsed. The airplane veered to the right, coming to rest with the left wingtip contacting the runway surface.

Meteorological and Mechanical Observations

An automated METAR observation taken at 1300 hours local time indicated winds from 030 degrees at 11 knots with gusts to 14 knots. Post-accident examination of the normal brake system revealed no discrepancies. Additionally, the main landing gear tires showed no evidence of flat spots.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20011018X02104. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.