# NTSB FTW95LA048: Cessna 152, N6386L, Boulder, CO, November 16, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 16, 1994, 13:45 local (20:45 UTC)
- Place: Boulder, CO
- Coordinates: 40.019191, -105.250205 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.0192&lon=-105.2502&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 18, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19308
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW95LA048
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19308/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA048

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - snowbank
- Nose gear collapsed, landing - roll

## Analysis

DURING AN ATTEMPTED TAKEOFF AFTER A TOUCH AND GO LANDING THE STUDENT PILOT BECAME CONFUSED AND INCORRECTLY ADJUSTED THE THROTTLE AND APPLIED THE WRONG RUDDER PEDAL.  THE PILOT LOST CONTROL AND THE AIRCRAFT RAN OFF THE RUNWAY AND IMPACTED A SNOW BANK.

## Factual narrative

On November 16, 1994, at 1345 mountain standard time, a Cessna 152, N6386L, was substantially damaged during the takeoff portion of a touch and go landing at Boulder, Colorado.  The student pilot was not injured.  No flight plan was filed for the visual meteorological conditions instructional flight.

According to the student pilot, in his written statement, he had retracted flaps and was accelerating when he lost control.  He stated that he "mistakenly applied left rudder" instead of the right rudder pedal and pulled the throttle partially off to "prevent lift off."  He further reported that he applied right pedal in an attempt "to put him back on track." He intended to pull power off; however, he "mistakenly pushed the throttle on." The aircraft ran off the runway into a snow bank and damaged the fuselage and wing.

An examination of the aircraft revealed no mechanical anomalies.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6386L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6386L-2009-09-11), registration cancelled 2009-09-11, S/N 15284391, built 1980 (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: 15284391
- Airframe hours: 5777
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 110 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Dakota Ridge Aviation
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 28, 1994, 35 hours before
- Airport: 1V5, Boulder Municipal Airport, runway 8, 4,100 × 40 ft, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 26 total, 26 in this make and model, 5 as pilot in command, 21 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 5 knots, gusting 10
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Temperature: 36 °F, dew point 21 °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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