# NTSB FTW99LA008: Cessna 152, N757XC, Bridgeport, TX, October 9, 1998 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: October 9, 1998, 12:30 local (17:30 UTC) - Place: Bridgeport, TX - Coordinates: 33.199089, -97.750396 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.1991&lon=-97.7504&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report March 31, 2000 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 44161 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW99LA008 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/44161/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW99LA008 ## Probable cause The partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing. ## 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, emergency descent/landing - On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor) - object - tree(s) ## Analysis During takeoff initial climb, at approximately 200 feet agl, the engine lost partial power. The pilot performed a forced landing into a nearby small field, and during the landing roll, the airplane impacted trees, which lined the edge of the field. Prior to the accident flight, the pilot had performed a cross-country flight during which the engine began running 'slightly rough.' The pilot continued to and landed at his destination airport. After landing he performed an engine run-up, during which he applied full power and leaned the mixture. After completing the run-up, 'the magnetos performed perfectly fine.' The pilot returned to his departure airport, and refueled the airplane. During the run-up, the pilot checked the magnetos, 'they were perfectly fine,' so he took off. The pilot then elected to perform a couple touch-and-go landings. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined. ## Factual narrative On October 9, 1998, at 1230 central daylight time, a Cessna 152 single-engine airplane, N757XC, registered to and operated by Bridgeport Flight Training Center of Bridgeport, Texas, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a partial loss of engine power near Bridgeport, Texas. The private pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 local flight. The flight was originating from the Bridgeport Municipal Airport at the time of the accident. The pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, and in a written statement, that he had performed a cross-country flight from the Bridgeport Municipal Airport to the Sherman Municipal Airport earlier in the day. He stated that approximately 6-7 miles from the Sherman Municipal Airport, while at 3,000 feet msl, the engine began running "slightly rough". He landed at the Sherman Municipal Airport and contacted the Bridgeport Flight Training Center. The 106-hour pilot further reported that he was instructed to "clean the magnetos by applying full power and leaning the mixture." He was also told that "if the magnetos cleared up," and he felt comfortable with the situation, he could return to the Bridgeport Municipal Airport. The pilot stated that after the run-up, "the magnetos functioned perfectly fine;" therefore, he returned to the Bridgeport Municipal Airport. The pilot also reported that after returning to Bridgeport and refueling the aircraft, he elected to perform "a couple of touch-and-goes." During the run-up, when he checked the magnetos, "they were perfectly fine, so I took off." During the takeoff initial climb, at approximately 200 feet, the engine lost partial power. The pilot performed a forced landing to a nearby "small" field. During the landing roll, the airplane struck the trees, which lined the edge of the field. Examination of the aircraft wreckage by the FAA inspector revealed that the nose landing gear had collapsed. The leading edge of both wings, the horizontal stabilizer, and the engine firewall were damaged. Examination of the fuel system revealed usable fuel in both fuel tanks. The operator reported that the Lycoming O-235-L2C engine, S/N L-18321-5, had accumulated 4,512.2 hours since its last overhaul. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N757XC](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N757XC-2012-07-20), registration cancelled 2012-07-20, S/N 15280077, 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: 15280077 - Airframe hours: 8378 - Engines: Lycoming O-235-L2C 110 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Registered owner: Bridgeport Flt Training Center - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility - Last inspection: 100 hour, September 4, 1998, 63 hours before - Departed: 1F9 - Airport: 1F9, Bridgeport Municipal, runway 17, 4,004 × 60 ft ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 25; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 106 total, 106 in this make and model, 106 as pilot in command ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 190° at 8 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 55 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: FTW, 31 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 19981009028899A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19981009028899A), Oct 9, 1998: Cessna 152, Bridgeport, TX, Substantial damage. Acft struck some mesquite trees and terrain. (-23) on October 9, 1998, at approximately 1230 CDT, a Cessna 152, N757XC, crashed after takeoff from runway 17… 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.