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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

August 5, 2002 · Cessna 152 · N89044

Danbury, CT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 5, 2002
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Danbury, CT
Aircraft
Cessna 152
Tail Number
N89044
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC02LA154

The student pilot was in the traffic pattern practicing touch and go landings, when the flight instructor reduced the engine power to idle to simulate an engine failure. While the student pilot was maneuvering, the airplane "stalled to the left." The CFI assumed control of the airplane; however, the airplane struck trees about 1/2 mile from the runway. The CFI added that he did not hear the airplane's stall warning horn annunciate at any time during the accident sequence. Examination of the airplane did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions. The airplane's stall warning system functioned normally during post accident testing. The terrain at the accident site sloped upward.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain airspeed and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which resulted in an inadvertent stall during a simulated forced landing. A factor was the rising terrain.

Full Narrative

On August 5, 2002, about 1945 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 152, N89044, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees during a simulated forced landing in Danbury, Connecticut. The certificated flight instructor (CFI) and student pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the instructional flight that departed the Danbury Municipal Airport (DXR), Danbury, Connecticut. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. During an interview with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the CFI stated that the airplane was in the traffic pattern for runway 26, at DXR, and the student pilot was practicing touch and go landings. When the airplane was at an altitude of about 1,200 feet, the CFI reduced the engine power to idle, to simulate an engine failure. While the student pilot was maneuvering, the airplane "stalled to the left." The CFI assumed control of the airplane; however, the airplane struck trees about 1/2 mile from the runway. The CFI added that he did not hear the airplane's stall warning horn annunciate at any time during the accident sequence. Examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions. The airplane's stall warning system functioned normally during post accident testing. Additionally, the inspector noted that the terrain at the accident site sloped upward. Winds reported at the airport around the time of the accident were calm.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:45 EDT
Nearest AirportDanbury Muni (0nm W)
Runway26
Runway Length4422 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 152
Tail NumberN89044
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235 · Reciprocating · 115
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 24 · First Class · Minor
Crew 2Age 41 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.85 inHg
Observation Time23:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data