# NTSB ATL97LA108: Cessna 152, N152DG, Arcadia, FL, July 20, 1997

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 20, 1997, 15:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Arcadia, FL
- Location: 27.1872° N, 81.8247° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs from NTSB’s distance and direction from ARCADIA MUNI (X06), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=27.1872&lon=-81.8247&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 21, 1998
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 3879
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL97LA108
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/3879/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL97LA108

## Probable cause

failure of the right nose wheel steering linkage.  The close proximity of the fence was a related factor.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - roll/run
  - landing gear,steering system - failure (cause)
- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - directional control - not possible
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled
- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff
  - object - fence (contributing factor)
- Nose over, other

## Analysis

The pilot stated that during the takeoff roll on a grass strip, at about 50 knots, he lost control of the airplane. The airplane then struck a fence and flipped over on its back. The pilot further stated that he was not aware of anything wrong with the airplane. However, examination of the nose wheel assembly revealed that the right hand steering linkage had failed.

## Factual narrative

On July 20, 1997, about 1530 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 152, N152DG, veered off the runway during takeoff and collided with a fence at the Arcadia Municipal Airport, Arcadia, Florida.  The airplane was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules.  Visual meteorological conditions existed, and no flight plan was filed for the local, personal flight.  The pilot who was the sole occupant, was not injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged.  The flight was departing at the time of the accident.

The pilot stated that during the takeoff roll on the grass strip, at about 50 knots he lost control of the airplane and struck a fence causing the airplane to flip over on its back. He further stated that there was nothing wrong with the airplane.  However, close examination of the nose wheel assembly by an FAA Inspector found that the right hand steering linkage had separated.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N152DG](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N152DG-1999-05-03), registration cancelled 1999-05-03, S/N 15279784 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Cessna 152
- Registry model: [Cessna 152](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-152) (registry code 2071835) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15279784
- Engines: Lycoming O-235-N2C 108 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Harald Kirchmayr
- Registered owner: Paac Air Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Departed: X06
- Airport: X06, Arcadia Municipal, runway 13, 2,780 × 140 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; foreign, private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown, unknown; seat: left; flight hours: 80 total, 80 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 260° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: KPG, 18 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 19970720018879A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970720018879A), Jul 20, 1997: Cessna 152, Arcadia, FL, Substantial damage. Lost control on takeoff roll and hit a fence. Flipped over. Right side steering linkage had seperated. (.4) the pilot stated that during the takeoff roll on a…

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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