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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

December 3, 2000 · Cessna 152 · N5288P

Cleveland, TN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 3, 2000
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Cleveland, TN
Aircraft
Cessna 152
Tail Number
N5288P
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL01LA017

The pilots had been conducting short-field takeoffs and, full-stop landing followed by a taxi back to runway 21. During the third takeoff, they experienced a total loss of engine power as they climbed through 100 feet. The CFI initiated a forced landing. The airplane struck trees, nosed over, and collided with a storage shed as he maneuvered the airplane for the forced landing. Terrain and other obstructions were unsuitable for a forced landing. Examination of the airplane and the engine assembly failed to disclose a mechanical malfunction of component failure. A review of weather data showed that conditions were favorable for the formation of carburetor ice.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power during takeoff due to carburetor ice. A factor was unsuitable terrain.

Full Narrative

On December 3, 2000, at 1030 eastern standard time, a Cessna 152, N5288P, collided with the ground during a short field takeoff from Hardwick Field Airport in Cleveland, Tennessee. The certified flight instructor (CFI) received serious injuries and the dual student received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local instructional flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight was originating from Cleveland, Tennessee, at the time of the accident. The CFI reported that he and the student pilot had been conducting short-field takeoffs and, full-stop landing followed by a taxi back to runway 21. The CFI stated that during the third takeoff, they experienced a total loss of engine power as they climbed through 100 feet. At this point the CFI took control of the airplane from the dual student and initiated a forced landing. The airplane struck trees, nosed over, and collided with a storage shed as the CFI maneuvered the airplane for the forced landing. The CFI stated that he elected the left maneuvering turn to avoid terrain and other obstructions that were not suitable for a forced landing. Examination of the accident site revealed that the airplane rested about 250 feet left of the runway edge. Examination of the airplane and the engine assembly failed to disclose a mechanical malfunction of component failure. A review of weather data showed that conditions were favorable for the formation of carburetor ice.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 EST
Nearest AirportHardwick Field (0nm N)
Runway21
Runway Length3300 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 152
Tail NumberN5288P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-L2C · Reciprocating · 108
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 24 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDawn
Wind360° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2100 ft
Temperature / Dew Point34 C / 30 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:26
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data