Casualties unknown

2003-01-28: Cessna 152 (N48769) — Ellensburg, WA

Ellensburg, WA, US

On January 28, 2003, a Cessna 152 (registration N48769) was involved in an aviation accident near Ellensburg, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot was unable to maintain directional control after touchdown, resulting in the aircraft veering off the runway and colliding with a snow bank. 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 student pilot experienced a loss of directional control after touchdown, leading to a runway excursion and aircraft nose-over.

What happened

During an approach to runway 29, a student pilot was aligned with the runway centerline with an airspeed of 60 knots. The Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) showed red-over-white indications at the time. The aircraft touched down just past the runway numbers.

Following touchdown, the airplane began to veer toward the right. Despite the student pilot applying left rudder input, the aircraft continued its rightward turn. The right main landing gear lifted from the surface, causing the aircraft to travel off the runway and collide with a snow bank. The aircraft subsequently underwent a nosed-over event.

At the time of the accident, winds were reported from 090 degrees at five knots.

Probable cause

The pilot was unable to maintain directional control after touchdown, resulting in the aircraft veering off the runway and colliding with a snow bank.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030206X00170. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.