# NTSB ANC89LA045: Cessna 152, N5312Q, Chugiak, AK, February 19, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 19, 1989, 14:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Chugiak, AK
- Coordinates: 61.409458, -149.170547 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=61.4095&lon=-149.1705&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 5167
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC89LA045
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/5167/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC89LA045

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING A TOUCH AND GO LANDING. A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR IS THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL FLIGHT EXPERIENCE.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - icy (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run
- Nose gear collapsed, takeoff - roll/run

## Analysis

THE 78 HOUR PRIVATE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING A TOUCH AND GO LANDING. AFTER A SUCCESSFUL TOUCH DOWN, HE ADDED POWER TO TAKE OFF. AS THE POWER INCREASED, THE AIRPLANE VEERED QUICKLY TO THE LEFT ON THE ICY RUNWAY. HE REDUCED POWER, BUT WAS UNABLE TO REGAIN COMPLETE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL, AND COLLIDED WITH TWO SNOW BERMS AS HE WENT OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY. THE NOSE GEAR COLLAPSED WHEN THE AIRPLANE STRUCK THE SECOND BERM. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE HAD LAST FLOWN ON JANUARY 8, 1989, AND HAD APRX 11 HOURS OF FLIGHT TIME SINCE HE RECEIVED HIS AIRMAN'S CERTIFICATED ON AUGUST 31, 1988.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5312Q](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5312Q), registered now, S/N 15285098, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 152
- Registry model: [Cessna 152](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-152) (registry code 2071835) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15285098
- Airframe hours: 2338
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 110 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Elmendorf Aero Club
- Registered owner: Somerville, James
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, August 6, 1988, 91 hours before
- Departed: EDF, ELMENDORF AFB, AK
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: Z15, Birchwood, runway 1, 4,000 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 78 total, 78 in this make and model, 30 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 19 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19890219002259A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890219002259A), Feb 19, 1989: Cessna 152, Birchwood, AK, Substantial damage. Lost directional control during touch and go. Left the runway and struck two snow berms.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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