# NTSB ATL85FLT09: Cessna 152, N89634, Memphis, TN, July 20, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: July 19, 1985, 22:52 local (Jul 20, 1985, 03:52 UTC)
- Place: Memphis, TN
- Location: 35.1495° N, 90.0490° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Memphis, TN, within about 10 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.1495&lon=-90.0490&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6661
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL85FLT09
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6661/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL85FLT09

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment
- Nose gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - landing gear,nose gear assembly - overload
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE ACFT NOSED OVER DURING A FORCED LANDING FOLLOWING A LOSS OF PWR. PURPOSE OF THE FLT WAS TO PRACTICE NIGHT TAKEOFFS AND LANDINGS. ON THE FIFTH TAKEOFF, AT APRX 200 FT AGL, A TOTAL LOSS OF PWR WAS EXPERIENCED. THE ACFT CONTACTED AN EMBANKMENT DURING THE FORCED LANDING, THE NOSE GEAR COLLAPSED AND THE ACFT NOSED OVER. THE STUDENT PLT ON BOARD REPORTEDHE HAD A PROBLEM WITH PWR DURING TAKEOFF IN N89634 ON THE PREVIOUS DAY. AN A&P MECHANIC INSPECTED THE ACFT AND TEST FLEW IT AFTER THE INCIDENT BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE OF THE PWR LOSS. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION OF THE ACFT AND ENGINE FAILED TO DISCLOSE ANY MECHANICAL FAILURE/MALFUNCTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N89634 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 152
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15282809
- Airframe hours: 2161
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 110 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: West Memphis Aviation
- Registered owner: Frank S. Groner
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, July 4, 1985, 23 hours before
- Departed: M01, MEMPHIS, TN
- Destination: AWM, WEST MEMPHIS, AR
- Airport: M01, Gen Dewitt Spain, runway 34, 3,800 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 20; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 554 total, 228 in this make and model, 360 as pilot in command, 140 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 110° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MEM, 10 nm away

## 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 19850719032999A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850719032999A), Jul 19, 1985: Cessna 152, Memphis, TN, Destroyed. Engine quit after takeoff. Struck embankment during emergency landing at night. Cause undetermined.

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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