# NTSB LAX89LA204: Cessna 152, N24521, Concord, CA, May 27, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 26, 1989, 17:00 local (May 27, 1989, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: Concord, CA
- Coordinates: 38.000617, -122.030616 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.0006&lon=-122.0306&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 29, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26416
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX89LA204
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26416/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA204

## Probable cause

STUDENT PILOT HAD NOT ATTAINED COMPENSATION FOR THE CROSSWIND, AND LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - weather condition - crosswind
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - object - sign (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT WAS ON HIS THIRD SOLO FLIGHT. AFTER ROTATION AND DURING INITIAL CLIMB, THE AIRPLANE VEERED OVER THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY AND STRUCK A RUNWAY LOCATOR SIGN. THE AIRPLANE WENT BACK TO THE GROUND AND THE NOSE GEAR COLLAPSED, THE RIGHT WHEEL BROKE OFF AND THE RIGHT WING STRUCK THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N24521](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N24521-2018-01-16), registration cancelled 2018-01-16, S/N 15280308, 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: 15280308
- Airframe hours: 3509
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235 L2C 115 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Buchanan Flying Club
- Registered owner: Buchanan Flying Club
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: 100 hour, May 16, 1989, 24 hours before
- Departed: CCR
- Destination: CCR
- Airport: CCR, Buchanan Field, runway 32R, 4,601 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 19; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 20 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 260° at 9 knots, gusting 18
- Visibility: 10 statute miles

## 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 19890526012819A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890526012819A), May 26, 1989: Cessna 152, Concord, CA, Substantial damage. Third solo, on climb veered off left side runway. Struck runway sign. Settled. Collapsed nose gear. Downwind factor

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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