Casualties unknown

2005-06-30: Cessna 152 (N5372L) — Air America Flight Center — Williston, FL

Williston, FL, US

On June 30, 2005, a Cessna 152 (registration N5372L) operated by Air America Flight Center was involved in an aviation accident near Williston, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The inadequate weather evaluation by the pilot-in-command which resulted in the in-flight encounter with rain and thunder that resulted in a precautionary landing and subsequent on-ground collision with a ditch. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 10 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 performed a forced landing after weather deteriorated between Bronson and Williston. During landing, the aircraft struck a barbed wire fence and then a ditch, causing damage.

Event Details

According to the pilot, while en route after passing the Cross City VOR, he and a pilot-rated passenger determined it was time to refuel. As the flight progressed between Bronson and Williston, the weather conditions began to deteriorate, prompting the pilot to execute a forced landing.

Landing and Collision

The pilot first performed a low pass over a field to check for objects or obstacles. After touching down, he applied the brakes, but the airplane began to turn harshly. To prevent the aircraft from flipping, he released the brakes. The pilot reported that he first noticed a barbed wire fence when the airplane was already on the ground, approximately 30 feet before impact. The propeller and landing gear subsequently contacted the barbed wire fence.

Damage

The damage to the airplane occurred during a collision with a ditch after the fence strike. The propeller and landing gear were damaged in the fence contact, and the ditch collision caused additional structural damage to the aircraft.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050818X01276. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.