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NTSB Report

February 9, 1996 · Cessna 152 · N6321M

San Jose, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 9, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
San Jose, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 152
Tail Number
N6321M
Operator
Wings Over California
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX96LA109

The student pilot reported that when he turned onto final approach to land, the airplane was high. He took corrective action by lowering the nose to make a steeper approach. This resulted in increased airspeed. During touchdown, the airplane was left of the runway centerline. The student reported that right rudder was applied, and the airplane veered right; then left rudder was applied, but the airplane veered too far left and entered a grassy field. Subsequently, the nose gear sank into soft mud, and the airplane nosed over.

NTSB Probable Cause

the student pilot's improper use of the rudder control and resultant failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing rollout. Factors relating to the accident were: the student allowed the airspeed to be excessive during the approach/landing, and the soft terrain.

Full Narrative

On February 9, 1996, at 1534 hours Pacific standard time, a Cessna 152, N6321M, operated by Wings Over California, nosed over upon landing on runway 31L at the Reid-Hillview of Santa Clara County Airport, San Jose, California. The airplane was substantially damaged and the student pilot was not injured during the solo instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from San Jose at 1510. The operator verbally reported that at the time of the accident, the student pilot was practicing landings and lost directional control. The operator also reported that the student pilot had approximately 19 hours of total flying experience which included about 3 hours of solo flight time. The student pilot reported that when he turned onto final approach he was "a little bit high," so he pitched down "to make a steeper approach." This action increased the airspeed to about 70 knots. During touchdown, the longitudinal axis of the airplane was oriented left of the runway's centerline. The student pilot further reported that "there was no time to correct" the situation. The right rudder was applied, and the airplane veered right. Then, the left rudder was applied and the airplane veered too far left and entered a grassy field. After rolling about 100 feet, the nose gear sunk into the soft mud, and the airplane nosed over. He report no mechanical problems.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:34 PST
Nearest AirportReid-Hillview (0nm)
Runway31L
Runway Length3099 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 152
Tail NumberN6321M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWings Over California
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-L2C · Reciprocating · 110
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 26 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 4 kt
Visibility4 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 15000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 54
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time23:34
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data