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NTSB Report
October 24, 1989 · Cessna 152 · N4973B
Thibodaux, LA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 24, 1989
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Thibodaux, LA
Aircraft
Cessna 152
Tail Number
N4973B
Operator
Gulf Air Enterprises
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW90LA017
THE STUDENT PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING A NORMAL LANDING. DURING THE FLARE, THE AIRPLANE DRIFTED TO THE LEFT OF THE CENTERLINE, THE RIGHT WHEEL TOUCHED ON THE RUNWAY, & THE LEFT WHEEL TOUCHED IN THE GRASS. THE PILOT APPLIED FULL POWER FOR A GO-AROUND. WITH THE NOSE HIGH, THE AIRPLANE FLEW 40 TO 50 YARDS AT 6 FEET AGL, THEN IT YAWED TO THE LEFT. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE LEFT WING TOUCHED DOWN, THEN THE AIRPLANE ROTATED TO THE LEFT & WENT THROUGH A DITCH.
NTSB Probable Cause
STUDENT PILOT'S FAILURE TO OBTAIN OR MAINTAIN AIRSPEED DURING AN ABORTED LANDING, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL/MUSH. HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN RUNWAY ALIGNMENT AND THE DITCH WERE RELATED FACTORS.
Full Narrative
THE STUDENT PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING A NORMAL LANDING. DURING THE FLARE, THE AIRPLANE DRIFTED TO THE LEFT OF THE CENTERLINE, THE RIGHT WHEEL TOUCHED ON THE RUNWAY, & THE LEFT WHEEL TOUCHED IN THE GRASS. THE PILOT APPLIED FULL POWER FOR A GO-AROUND. WITH THE NOSE HIGH, THE AIRPLANE FLEW 40 TO 50 YARDS AT 6 FEET AGL, THEN IT YAWED TO THE LEFT. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE LEFT WING TOUCHED DOWN, THEN THE AIRPLANE ROTATED TO THE LEFT & WENT THROUGH A DITCH.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:18 CDT
Nearest AirportThibodaux Muni (0nm N)
Runway8
Runway Length3000 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 152
Tail NumberN4973B
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGulf Air Enterprises
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-L2C · Reciprocating · 110
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 19 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind60° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO