# NTSB NYC84LA041: Cessna 152, N5520M, Marlborough, MA, November 27, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 27, 1983, 09:45 local (14:45 UTC)
- Place: Marlborough, MA
- Location: 42.3496° N, 71.5472° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Marlborough, MA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.3496&lon=-71.5472&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35475
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC84LA041
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35475/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC84LA041

## Sequence of events

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

- Undershoot, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - throttle/power control - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - distance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - supervision - inadequate, other crewmember (cause)
- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, approach

## Analysis

THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH TREES DURING FINAL APPROACH TO LAND. THE ACFT WAS ON A SHORT FINAL TO RWY 32 AT MARBOROUGH WHEN THE LEFT WHEEL AND LEFT WING STRUCK TREE TOPS A SHORT WAY FROM THE RWY THRESHOLD. THE ACFT TURNED ABOUT 70 DEGREES TO THE LEFT AND COLLIDED WITH A TREE LINE ALONG THE ARPT BOUNDARY. ACCORDING TO THE PLT/OPERATOR ACFT ACCIDENT REPORT, THE COMMERCIAL PLT IN THE RIGHT SEAT WAS THE PLT-IN-COMMAND. HE WAS AN APPLICANT FOR A FLT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATE. THE OCCUPANT IN THE LEFT SEAT WAS A CERTIFIED FLT INSTRUCTOR (CFI).

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5520M](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5520M-2005-09-14), registration cancelled 2005-09-14, S/N 15284598, 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: 15254598
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 110 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Phoenix East Aviation
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: LAW, LAWRENCE, MA
- Destination: 9B1, MARLBOROUGH, MA
- Airport: 9B1, Marlborough, runway 32, 1,680 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 400 total, 38 in this make and model, 220 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 10 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19831127058869A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19831127058869A), Nov 27, 1983: Cessna 152, Marlborough, MA, Substantial damage. Aircraft hit trees and crashed during final approach for landing.

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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