# NTSB FTW87LA120: Cessna 152, N48735, Sargent, TX, May 16, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 16, 1987, 18:32 local (23:32 UTC)
- Place: Sargent, TX
- Coordinates: 28.969078, -95.959915 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.9691&lon=-95.9599&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report October 25, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22366
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW87LA120
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22366/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW87LA120

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - roll/run
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - lift-off - premature, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall/mush
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)
- Nose over, takeoff

## Analysis

THE PLT DECIDED TO TAKEOFF TWD THE NE ON A PVT ROAD (WHICH HE REFERRED TO AS 'SHELL RD . . . BEACH'). HE USED 10 DEG OF FLAPS & APPLIED FULL POWER BEFORE RELEASING THE BRAKES. HE STATED THAT AFTER BECOMING AIRBORNE ABOUT 2 TO 5 FT, THE ACFT 'SHIFTED SLIGHTLY RIGHT AND BEGAN TO SETTLE.'  ALSO, HE SAID THE ACFT 'DID NOT RESPOND TO YOKE' & CONTINUED TO SETTLED UNTIL IT WENT INTO A DITCH & NOSED OVER. RPRTDLY, THE WIND WAS VARIABLE, BUT WAS PREVAILING FROM 230 DEG AT 8 KTS. PLT'S MED CERT WAS DATED 3/12/85.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N48735](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N48735-2013-04-30), registration cancelled 2013-04-30, S/N 15280944, built 1977 (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: 15280944
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235 110 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Charles H.Reynolds
- Registered owner: Harry L Gardner
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 63; student; medical: expired; seat: left; flight hours: 4 in this make and model, 4 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 12,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

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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