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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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December 2, 1986 · Cessna 152A · N4784A

Great Falls, MT

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 2, 1986
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Great Falls, MT
Aircraft
Cessna 152A
Tail Number
N4784A
Operator
Valley Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN87LA027

THE STUDENT PLT WAS CLEARED TO MAKE A TOUCH-&-GO LANDING ON RWY 21. AS HE WAS LNDG, HE NOTICED THE ARRESTING BARRIER (CABLE) WAS RAISED. HE ADDED FULL PWR & PULLED BACK ON THE YOKE TO AVOID HITTING THE CABLE. THE ACFT LIFTED OFF, BUT ITS TAIL HIT THE CABLE. AT THAT TIME, THE PLT WAS UNAWARE OF ANY DAMAGE, SO HE CONTINUED FLYING (MADE A GO-AROUND). HE ADVISED TOWER PSNL THAT THE BARRIER CABLE WAS UP & THEY LOWERED THE CABLE. AFTER LANDING, AN INSPN REVEALED THE TAIL TIE-DOWN WAS MISSING & THE REAR BULKHEAD WAS PARTIALLY RIPPED OUT & BENT AGAINST THE RUDDER. ATC HANDBOOK REQUIRED TOWER PERSONNEL TO KEEP THE ARRESTING GEAR IN THE RETRACTED OR DOWN POSITION FOR NORMAL OPERATION.

Full Narrative

THE STUDENT PLT WAS CLEARED TO MAKE A TOUCH-&-GO LANDING ON RWY 21. AS HE WAS LNDG, HE NOTICED THE ARRESTING BARRIER (CABLE) WAS RAISED. HE ADDED FULL PWR & PULLED BACK ON THE YOKE TO AVOID HITTING THE CABLE. THE ACFT LIFTED OFF, BUT ITS TAIL HIT THE CABLE. AT THAT TIME, THE PLT WAS UNAWARE OF ANY DAMAGE, SO HE CONTINUED FLYING (MADE A GO-AROUND). HE ADVISED TOWER PSNL THAT THE BARRIER CABLE WAS UP & THEY LOWERED THE CABLE. AFTER LANDING, AN INSPN REVEALED THE TAIL TIE-DOWN WAS MISSING & THE REAR BULKHEAD WAS PARTIALLY RIPPED OUT & BENT AGAINST THE RUDDER. ATC HANDBOOK REQUIRED TOWER PERSONNEL TO KEEP THE ARRESTING GEAR IN THE RETRACTED OR DOWN POSITION FOR NORMAL OPERATION.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:47 MST
Nearest AirportGreat Falls Int'L (0nm N)
Runway21
Runway Length10502 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 152A
Tail NumberN4784A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorValley Aviation
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
Wind350° @ 6 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point34 C / 19 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time20:00
Weather SourceWFAC

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Appendix: Source Data