N152L

Substantial
None

CESSNA 152S/N: 15283964

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, June 25, 2016
NTSB Number
GAA16CA336
Location
Delta, CO
Event ID
20160627X80236
Coordinates
38.761390, -108.141113
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot exceeded the critical angle of attack during the initial climb in tailwind conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
15283964
Engine Type
4-cycle
Year Built
1979
Model / ICAO
152C152
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
152

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
BURDICK RICH
Address
14416 6900 RD
City
MONTROSE
State / Zip Code
CO 81401-7424
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported he taxied to the end of the runway for a full length departure and during the initial climb the wind shifted from a headwind to a tailwind. The pilot initially reported that during the initial climb, there were no aerodynamic stall indications, but during a follow-up interview he reported that "the airplane definitely stalled." Subsequently, the airplane impacted terrain in a vacant lot north of the runway and nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage.

The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located about 4 miles to the northeast, revealed that, about 3 minutes before the accident the wind was 260 degrees true at 13 knots, with gust 17 knots, and wind variable direction from 210 to 280. The airplane departed runway 4.

According to a witness on the ground, who was an airline transport pilot with about 22,000 hours of flight time, the airplane taxied onto runway 4 at the midfield point and applied takeoff power. The witness further reported that the he heard the power reduced and then re-applied during the takeoff roll. Subsequently, during the initial climb he witnessed the left wing stall, impact the ground, and nose over after the nose wheel collapsed.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA16CA336