# NTSB FTW83LA127: Cessna 152, N66730, Sugarland, TX, February 23, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 23, 1983, 13:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Sugarland, TX
- Location: 29.6197° N, 95.6349° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Sugar Land, TX, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.6197&lon=-95.6349&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 20818
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW83LA127
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20818/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83LA127

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type operation, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Nose gear collapsed, takeoff
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - landing gear,nose gear - overload (contributing factor)
- Nose over, takeoff

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PLT HAD BECOME LOST & LANDED ON A DIRT ROAD TO ASK FOR DIRECTIONS BACK TO HIS HOME ARPT. AFTER RECEIVING DIRECTIONS, HE TURNED THE ACFT AROUND & STARTED TO TAKEOFF. HOWEVER, BEFORE REACHING FLYING SPEED, THE ACFT STRUCK A PARTIALLY BURIED PIPE & VEERED OFF THE ROAD. THE NOSE GEAR COLLAPSED WHEN IT DUG INTO SOFT TERRAIN ADJACENT TO THE ROAD & THE ACFT NOSED OVER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N66730 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 152
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15281985
- Airframe hours: 3269
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 110 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Able Aviation
- Registered owner: Universal Leasing
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 1, 1982, 15 hours before
- Departed: AAP, HOUSTON, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 81 total, 11 in this make and model, 20 as pilot in command, 24 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 340° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DWH, 25 nm away

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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.