# NTSB MKC89LA101: Cessna 152, N6436P, Buffalo, MN, May 2, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 2, 1989, 17:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Buffalo, MN
- Coordinates: 45.170185, -93.85955 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.1702&lon=-93.8595&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 28, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34785
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC89LA101
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34785/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89LA101

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL.  FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE:  THE CROSSWIND, THE PILOT'S IMPROPER COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS, HIS IMPROPER USE OF THE THROTTLE, AND THE DITCH.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - throttle/power control - improper use of, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PLT SAID THAT WHILE PRACTICING TAKE-OFFS & LANDINGS IN LIGHT X-WIND CONDITIONS, HE DID NOT MAINTAIN RUNWAY ALIGNMENT DURING THE 2ND LANDING. HE OVER-CORRECTED, FAILED TO REDUCE POWER TO IDLE, THEN APPLIED BRAKES. HE SAID HE PANICKED & DECIDED TO 'RIDE IT OUT' RATHER THAN MAKE A GO-AROUND. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ACFT WENT OFF THE RWY, CROSSED A DITCH & STOPPED WITH THE NOSE GEAR COLLAPSED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6436P](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6436P), registered now, S/N 15285013, built 1981 (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: 15285013
- Airframe hours: 4621
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 110 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Marsh, Terry S.
- Registered owner: Marsh, Terry S.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 20, 1989, 23 hours before
- Departed: 8Y2, BUFFALO, MN
- Airport: 8Y2, Buffalo, runway 17, 2,600 × 60 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 31 total, 15 in this make and model, 2 as pilot in command, 7 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 330° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 59 °F, dew point 27 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MSP, 32 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 19890502010799A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890502010799A), May 2, 1989: Cessna 152, Buffalo, MN, Substantial damage. Student overcorrected on runway alignment. Aircraft veered off runway.

## Other investigations on N6436P (1)

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.

- [NTSB CEN12LA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA077), Nov 22, 2011: Cessna 152 (N6436P), Princeton, MN, substantial damage. Probable cause: The inadequate installation of the threaded insert in the No. 2 cylinder spark plug hole by maintenance personnel, which resulted in a loss of engine power during initial climb.

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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