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Casualties unknown

Pilot Loses Control During Pipeline Patrol Observation Flight (N47257)

Norman, OK, US

On January 21, 2003, a Cessna 152 (registration N47257) was involved in an aviation accident near Norman, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot lost control of the airplane while circling an area of disturbed dirt along the path of a buried pipeline during an aerial observation flight (pipeline patrol). 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A commercial pilot with 3,300 flight hours lost control of the airplane while circling a disturbed dirt area along a buried pipeline during a pipeline patrol flight. No anomalies with the airframe or engine were found. Winds were from 030 degrees at 15 knots gusting to 19 knots.

Flight Details

The pilot, a commercial pilot with approximately 3,300 hours of flight experience, was conducting an aerial observation flight for pipeline patrol. According to the operator, pipeline patrolling is normally performed from an altitude of 400 to 500 feet above ground level. The pipeline being patrolled at the time of the accident was aligned on a heading of 50 to 60 degrees.

Accident Sequence

While circling an area of disturbed dirt along the path of a buried pipeline, the pilot lost control of the airplane. The hand-held GPS onboard the airplane provided the track of the airplane to impact with the ground.

Meteorological Conditions

The prevailing winds at the time of the accident were reported from 030 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 19 knots.

Investigation Findings

The operator reported that the airplane has a range of 6 hours when all tanks are full of fuel; however, company procedures are to not exceed 4 hours between refueling stops. No anomalies were found with the airframe or engine that could have prevented normal flight operation.

Probable cause

The pilot lost control of the airplane while circling an area of disturbed dirt along the path of a buried pipeline during an aerial observation flight (pipeline patrol).
Loss of control in flightAerodynamic stall

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Jan 2003 Cessna 152 accident near Norman, OK?

A commercial pilot with 3,300 flight hours lost control of the airplane while circling a disturbed dirt area along a buried pipeline during a pipeline patrol flight. No anomalies with the airframe or engine were found. Winds were from 030 degrees at 15 knots gusting to 19 knots.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Jan 2003 involved a Cessna 152, registration N47257, at Norman, OK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot lost control of the airplane while circling an area of disturbed dirt along the path of a buried pipeline during an aerial observation flight (pipeline patrol).

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030127X00110. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.