No fatalities

Soft Field Takeoff Ends in Stall and Spin

Lumberton, NJ, United States

On May 25, 2009, a CESSNA 152 operated by Cave Flight School, LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Lumberton, NJ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during initial climb, which resulted in a loss of adequate airspeed and a subsequent aerodynamic stall. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During a soft field takeoff with 10 degrees of flaps and full power, the airplane stalled after leaving ground effect, entered a left spin, and impacted the ground, causing structural damage.

Accident Details

The pilot was performing a soft field takeoff. According to the report, winds were variable at 3 knots. The pilot lowered 10 degrees of wing flaps, applied full back pressure on the control column, and applied full engine power. The airplane became airborne, but after leaving ground effect, it stalled. The airplane then entered a left spin, descended, and impacted the ground.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane during the flight. The pilot's account describes a takeoff procedure consistent with soft field technique, but the aircraft stalled shortly after becoming airborne.

Damage

Examination of the airplane revealed structural damage to both wings and to the engine firewall. No other damage was noted.

Contributing factors

Airspeed — Not attained/maintainedPilot

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 May 2009 CESSNA 152 accident near Lumberton, NJ?

During a soft field takeoff with 10 degrees of flaps and full power, the airplane stalled after leaving ground effect, entered a left spin, and impacted the ground, causing structural damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 25 May 2009 CESSNA 152 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 May 2009 involved a CESSNA 152, operated by Cave Flight School, LLC, at Lumberton, NJ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during initial climb, which resulted in a loss of adequate airspeed and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.