Casualties unknown

2002-03-27: Cessna 152 (N6595L) — Aircraft Exchange — Belen, NM

Belen, NM, US

On March 27, 2002, a Cessna 152 (registration N6595L) operated by Aircraft Exchange was involved in an aviation accident near Belen, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's delay in aborting the takeoff which resulted in a runway overrun and collision with a fence. Contributing factors were the tailwind, high density altitude, and the pilot's selection of a downwind runway for takeoff. 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 initial climb at about 200 ft AGL, the engine lost power. The pilot attempted to land on remaining runway but exited and struck a fence. Witnesses reported a long ground roll with quartering tailwind.

Accident Description

The pilot reported that during the initial takeoff climb, at approximately 200 feet above ground level, the engine lost power. This resulted in an excessive sink rate. The pilot attempted to land the airplane on the remaining 2,000 to 3,000 feet of the runway. Despite the effort, the airplane exited the end of the runway and struck a fence.

Witness Accounts

Witnesses observed the airplane's takeoff from the 6,601-foot runway. They noted that the ground roll was approximately 3,400 feet, and there was a 20-knot quartering tailwind. One witness reported that the engine was operating under full power after the airplane had touched down.

Post-Accident Findings

Fuel tanks were topped off prior to departure. After the accident, fuel samples were sumped and found to be free of contaminants. The engine was started and run at various power settings for five minutes with no anomalies noted. The calculated density altitude at the airport at the time of the accident was approximately 8,000 feet.

Probable Cause

No probable cause was stated in the investigation source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020329X00428. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.