Casualties unknown

2002-12-16: Cessna A150M (N9852J) — Crystal River, FL

Crystal River, FL, US

On December 16, 2002, a Cessna A150M (registration N9852J) was involved in an aviation accident near Crystal River, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's improper application of brakes during the landing rollout, which resulted in a loss of directional control and the airplane running off of the runway, impacting a runway light structure, and nosing over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

After a landing, a student pilot mistakenly treated it as a touch-and-go, then applied too much left brake upon instructor's reminder, causing the aircraft to leave the runway, hit a runway light support, and nose over.

Incident Details

A student pilot reported that his flight instructor had directed him to perform full-stop landings on each approach. Following an uneventful landing, the student began executing procedures consistent with a touch-and-go landing. The instructor radioed the student to correct this, reminding him to conduct a full-stop landing.

In response, the student closed the throttle. However, as he attempted to bring the aircraft to a stop, he applied excessive left brake pressure. This caused the airplane to depart the runway surface, where it struck a concrete structure supporting a runway light. The impact resulted in the aircraft nosing over and sustaining damage.

Sequence of Events

The student pilot had been briefed by his instructor to make full-stop landings on each circuit. After completing a normal landing, the student inadvertently began to follow the procedure for a touch-and-go landing. His instructor promptly called on the radio to remind him that the landing should have been a full stop.

The student then reduced engine power by closing the throttle. However, when applying the brakes to decelerate, he used "too much left brake," as he later described. This asymmetric braking caused the aircraft to veer left and exit the runway. The airplane subsequently struck a concrete support for a runway edge light. The collision caused the airplane to nose over, resulting in damage.

Post-accident Findings

The student stated that no mechanical issues with the airplane or its systems had been present before the accident. The event was the result of his own actions during the braking phase.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021218X05616. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.