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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

May 6, 1997 · Cessna 152 · N5225B

Rochelle, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 6, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Rochelle, IL
Aircraft
Cessna 152
Tail Number
N5225B
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI97LA123

The student pilot said he was having trouble aligning the airplane with the landing runway centerline. He said the airplane's nose was pointed to the left of the runway centerline at touchdown. He attempted to go around after the airplane departed the runway and was on the grass next to it. He said the airplane wouldn't lift off before or after the flaps were retracted. The pilot said he decided to abort the takeoff when he saw a fence in front of the airplane. He applied '...full...' brakes and the airplane nosed over.

NTSB Probable Cause

the student pilot's delay in aborting the takeoff and the use of excessive braking after deciding to abort the takeoff. A factor was the pilot's failure to maintain runway alignment during the landing.

Full Narrative

On May 6, 1997, at 1500 central daylight time (cdt), a Cessna 152, N5225B, piloted by a student pilot, was substantially damaged when it nosed over during an off-runway landing roll. The pilot said he touched down on runway 25 (4,226' X 75' dry asphalt) at the Rochelle Municipal Airport, Rochelle, Illinois, without having the airplane aligned with the runway centerline. The airplane departed the left side of the runway shortly after touchdown. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight was operating on a VFR flight plan. The pilot reported no injuries. The flight departed Aurora, Illinois, at 1445 cdt. The pilot said he was having trouble getting the airplane to line up with the runway centerline. He said he was unable to get the needed alignment no matter the amount of rudder application. The pilot said the airplane touched down with its nose pointed left of the runway centerline. He said, "...the plane went to [the] left on [the] grass. I tried to do a go-around and applied full power." The pilot said the airplane wouldn't lift off before or after he retracted the flaps. According to the pilot, he decided to abort the takeoff when he saw a fence in front of the airplane. He said he "...applied full brakes and [the]... prop dug in and [the airplane] flipped, it came to a full stop." The manager of the fixed base operation at the airport said the wind was coming from the northwest about 10 to 15 knots. She said she did not see the airplane during the events leading to the accident. She said she heard its engine increase in power, followed by a loud "pop," and then silence. After the engine sound stopped, she said she looked out her office window and saw the airplane laying upside down in a field next to the airport. The pilot said the accident was avoidable. He said he should have performed a go-around during the landing approach when he was unable to align the airplane's centerline with the runway centerline.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 CDT
Nearest AirportRochelle Municipal (1nm)
Runway25
Runway Length4226 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 152
Tail NumberN5225B
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235 · Reciprocating · 108
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 33 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 30 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time19:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data