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NTSB Report
June 4, 1990 · Cessna 152 · N48642
Mcpherson, KS
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 4, 1990
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Mcpherson, KS
Aircraft
Cessna 152
Tail Number
N48642
Operator
Gietzen Mark S
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC90LA120
EN ROUTE TO HER FINAL DESTINATION, DURING A STUDENT, SOLO, CROSS-COUNTRY FLIGHT, THE PILOT SAID THAT SHE WAS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY HER POSITION. SHE FLEW BY A WATER TOWER, IDENTIFIED HER LOCATION, AND CORRECTED HER COURSE. SHORTLY AFTER THE ENGINE FAILED AND AN EMERGENCY LANDING WAS ATTEMPTED IN A WHEAT FIELD WHICH RESULTED IN A NOSE OVER. PRIOR TO THE EMERGENCY SHE CONTACTED THE SALINA CONTROL TOWER AND REQUESTED VECTORS TO THE NEAREST LANDING SITE. SHE SAID THAT THE DIRECTION GYRO HAD PRECESSED SUBSTANTIALLY CONTRIBUTING TO HER BEING OFF COURSE.
NTSB Probable Cause
POOR PRE-FLIGHT AND IN-FLIGHT PLANNING AND REFUELING NOT PERFORMED BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND.
Full Narrative
EN ROUTE TO HER FINAL DESTINATION, DURING A STUDENT, SOLO, CROSS-COUNTRY FLIGHT, THE PILOT SAID THAT SHE WAS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY HER POSITION. SHE FLEW BY A WATER TOWER, IDENTIFIED HER LOCATION, AND CORRECTED HER COURSE. SHORTLY AFTER THE ENGINE FAILED AND AN EMERGENCY LANDING WAS ATTEMPTED IN A WHEAT FIELD WHICH RESULTED IN A NOSE OVER. PRIOR TO THE EMERGENCY SHE CONTACTED THE SALINA CONTROL TOWER AND REQUESTED VECTORS TO THE NEAREST LANDING SITE. SHE SAID THAT THE DIRECTION GYRO HAD PRECESSED SUBSTANTIALLY CONTRIBUTING TO HER BEING OFF COURSE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:34 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 152
Tail NumberN48642
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGietzen Mark S
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 23 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 10 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO