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NTSB Report
January 4, 1989 · Cessna 152 · N69015
Theodore, AL
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 4, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Theodore, AL
Aircraft
Cessna 152
Tail Number
N69015
Operator
Mobile Flight Training
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL89LA067
THE PLT REPORTED THAT HE HEARD A 'SNAP' NOISE WHILE MANEUVERING AT 500 FT AGL; THE AIRPLANE BEGAN TO DESCEND & HE REALIZED THAT HE HAD NO ELEVATOR CONTROL. WITNESSES REPORTED HOWEVER, THAT THE AIRPLANE WAS MANEUVERING 'REAL LOW' & 'SLOW' AND THE WINGS WERE WOBBLING JUST BEFORE THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER AND CRASHED. ONE WITNESS ESTIMATED THAT THE AIRPLANE WAS MANEUVERING AT NO MORE THAN 50 FT AGL WHEN IT BEGAN TO DROP. EXAMINATION OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS BY AN IA MECHANIC SHORTLY AFTER THE ACCIDENT REVEALED THAT THE ELEVATOR CABLES WERE INTACT, AND THAT THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF ANY PRE-EXISTING MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE IN THE ELEVATOR CONTROL SYSTEM.
NTSB Probable Cause
PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL, AND SUBSEQUENT COLLISION WITH THE GROUND.
Full Narrative
THE PLT REPORTED THAT HE HEARD A 'SNAP' NOISE WHILE MANEUVERING AT 500 FT AGL; THE AIRPLANE BEGAN TO DESCEND & HE REALIZED THAT HE HAD NO ELEVATOR CONTROL. WITNESSES REPORTED HOWEVER, THAT THE AIRPLANE WAS MANEUVERING 'REAL LOW' & 'SLOW' AND THE WINGS WERE WOBBLING JUST BEFORE THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER AND CRASHED. ONE WITNESS ESTIMATED THAT THE AIRPLANE WAS MANEUVERING AT NO MORE THAN 50 FT AGL WHEN IT BEGAN TO DROP. EXAMINATION OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS BY AN IA MECHANIC SHORTLY AFTER THE ACCIDENT REVEALED THAT THE ELEVATOR CABLES WERE INTACT, AND THAT THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF ANY PRE-EXISTING MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE IN THE ELEVATOR CONTROL SYSTEM.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:45 CST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 152
Tail NumberN69015
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMobile Flight Training
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 40 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind20° @ 9 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 27 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time19:51
Weather SourceWFAC