# NTSB MIA95LA041: Cessna 152, N89515, Opa-Locka, FL, December 18, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 18, 1994, 09:36 local (14:36 UTC)
- Place: Opa-Locka, FL
- Coordinates: 25.910499, -80.270309 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=25.9105&lon=-80.2703&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 14, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37711
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA95LA041
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37711/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA95LA041

## Probable cause

THE STUDENT PILOTS FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE CHECKLIST AND ASSURE THE DOOR WAS CLOSED PRIOR TO TAKEOFF. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE STUDENT'S DIVERTED ATTENTION DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - checklist - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
  - door - not secured
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT INITIATED HIS FIRST SOLO TAKEOFF ROLL AND NOTED THE RIGHT DOOR WAS AJAR. HE CONTINUED THE TAKEOFF ROLL AND ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE THE DOOR. HE LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE ON THE GROUND AND IT VEERED OFF THE RUNWAY AND CAME TO REST IN A CANAL.

## Factual narrative

On December 18, 1994, about 0936 eastern standard time, N89515, a Cessna 152, operated by Wayman Aviation Inc. crashed on takeoff attempt at Opa-Locka Airport, Opa-Locka, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the student pilot reported no injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The student pilot was cleared for three touch-and-go takeoffs and landings. On the first takeoff during takeoff roll the student noted the door was open, and he attempted to close it while still continuing the takeoff. The airplane veered left off the runway and crashed into a canal.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N89515](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N89515-2006-12-05), registration cancelled 2006-12-05, S/N 15282766, built 1978 (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: 82766
- Airframe hours: 5440
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 110 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Wayman Aviation Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 3, 1994, 30 hours before
- Airport: OPF, Opa-Locka, runway 9L, 8,002 × 150 ft, concrete

## 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: 25 total, 25 in this make and model, 24 in the last 90 days, 13 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 10° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: OPF

## 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 19941218041749A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19941218041749A), Dec 18, 1994: Cessna 152, Miami, FL, Substantial damage. Door came open on touch and go. Lost control trying to close it. On takeoff veered off runway into a canal.

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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