NTSB investigations: Cessna 152

76 cases on aircraft the registry lists as Cessna 152, where the first occurrence was “In flight collision with terrain/water”. Aircraft are matched to the registry by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model, so older matches can be wrong.

Cases per year

19822026
NTSB investigations: Cessna 152 per year, 1982–2026: 76 cases
19824
19835
19847
19851
19862
19874
19888
19896
19904
19914
19923
19933
19942
19956
19962
19972
19983
19992
20002
20014
20022

Latest cases

Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "SELECT c.\"ntsbNumber\", c.\"eventDate\", c.\"eventType\", c.\"eventCity\", c.\"eventStateOrRegion\", a.n_number, a.\"aircraftMake\", a.\"aircraftModel\", c.\"highestInjuryLevel\", c.\"totalFatal\", c.\"completionStatus\", c.report_url
  FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c.\"mKey\" AND a.position = 1
  WHERE c.\"mKey\" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('2071835')
      AND EXISTS (SELECT 1 FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_occurrences.parquet' o WHERE o.case_mkey = x.case_mkey AND o.aircrafts_position = x.position AND o.\"occurrenceNumber\" = 1 AND o.\"occurrenceCode\" = 230))
  ORDER BY c.\"eventDate\" DESC, c.\"ntsbNumber\" DESC"

Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.

NTSB FTW02FA233Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Ithaca, NEThe pilot's intentional flight of the airplane into terrain in an act of suicide.Aug 12, 2002 · N49998 · DestroyedNTSB LAX02FA059Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Petaluma, CAThe pilot's intentional flight of the airplane into terrain in an act of suicide.Jan 5, 2002 · N24223 · DestroyedNTSB ATL02LA014Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Elberton, GAThe student pilot's in-flight decision to land in a field, which resulted in an on-ground collision with a berm. Factors were the student's inadequate training and inadequate supervision by the flight instructor on the ground.Oct 31, 2001 · N93550 · Substantial damageNTSB CHI01LA148Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Patriot, INthe inadequate rotation speed and compensation for wind conditions by the pilot. Contributing factors were the crosswind and gust.May 27, 2001 · N6154Q · Substantial damageNTSB CHI01FA085Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Horicon, WIthe inadvertent stall/spin. Additional factors included the aerobatic manuevers, low altitude, and the procedures not followed.Feb 10, 2001 · N5085P · DestroyedNTSB FTW01LA045Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Bristow, OKThe pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind conditions, which resulted in the airplane striking a snow bank during the landing flare/touchdown. A factor was the crosswind weather condition.Jan 4, 2001 · N68472 · Substantial damageNTSB CHI01LA054Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Sturtevant, WIThe unsuitable terrain for landing selected by the student pilot, the inadequate initial training by the flight instructor, and the flight instructor's decision to send the student pilot on a solo flight in known adverse weather conditions. Factors to the…Dec 27, 2000 · N757DX · Substantial damageNTSB LAX00FA171Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Austin, NVThe pilot's decision to attempt flight in an area of high rising mountainous terrain at an inadequate altitude, which resulted in an impact during a turn to reverse direction. A contributing factor was the pilot's lack of total experience in mountain flying…Apr 25, 2000 · N67435 · DestroyedNTSB CHI99LA249Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Berrien Springs, MIFailure to obtain a proper climb rate and the delayed remedial action by the certified flight instructor. Contributing factors were the uphill terrain and trees.Jul 23, 1999 · N95534 · Substantial damageNTSB LAX99FA129Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Rancho Cucamong, CAthe pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance from mountainous terrain for unknown reasons.Mar 22, 1999 · N67821 · DestroyedNTSB LAX99LA002Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · San Jose, CAContinued VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) at night over mountainous terrain. The pilot's use of unclear language when stating his intentions to air traffic control was a factor.Oct 2, 1998 · N957AF · DestroyedNTSB LAX98FA312Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Avalon, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance. Contributing to the accident were the hilly and mountainous terrain and glare from the setting sun.Oct 1, 1998 · N49770 · DestroyedNTSB SEA98LA135Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Miltonfreewater, ORThe pilots failure to maintain proper terrain clearance. Factors contributing to the accident are high density altitude and rising terrain.Jul 14, 1998 · N24823 · Substantial damageNTSB CHI98LA060Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Waukegan, ILthe pilot's not identifying unsuitable terrain (snowbank) in the landing area, and his not selecting the proper touchdown point. A factor was the snowbank.Dec 14, 1997 · N68318 · Substantial damageNTSB LAX97FA148Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · S. Lake Tahoe, CAThe pilot's collision with mountainous terrain due to his failure to follow published high density altitude departure procedures during climb out, and route selection which exceeded the airplane's maximum climb performance specifications. Also causal was the…Apr 6, 1997 · N64845 · DestroyedNTSB LAX96FA244Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Carmel, CAThe pilot becoming lost and disoriented during a night VFR flight in marginal weather conditions. Factors in the accident were: the pilot's lack of night flying experience, his failure to obtain a preflight weather briefing, low ceilings, and his failure to…Jun 17, 1996 · N6198P · DestroyedNTSB CHI96LA180Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Eau Claire, WIthe flight instructor's inadequate supervision. A factor relating to the accident was: the student pilot's improper flare.May 30, 1996 · N94647 · DestroyedNTSB SEA96FA022Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Provo, UTpilot suicide (intentional in-flight collision with rising terrain). A factor relating to the accident was: pilot anxiety/apprehension.Nov 21, 1995 · N6392Q · DestroyedNTSB SEA95LA163Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Wellsville, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed. Factors in the accident were the pilot's lack of experience with flying in mountainous terrain and the high density altitude.Jul 26, 1995 · N588BR · Substantial damageNTSB LAX95FA243Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Miramar, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain proper altitude (or clearance) above the terrain, while attempting to perform VFR flight in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Factors relating to the accident were: darkness and the adverse weather conditions.Jul 9, 1995 · N757JP · DestroyedNTSB ATL95LA121Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Juliette, GAThe pilot's ostentatious display, resulting in a collision with the water.Jun 27, 1995 · N5523B · Substantial damageNTSB LAX95LA179Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Palos Verdes, CAthat the pilot initiated the flight into known adverse weather, and inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions.Apr 28, 1995 · N49058 · DestroyedNTSB BFO95LA036Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Oakland, MDthe student pilot's abrupt remedial action during the aborted landing attempt. Related factors are the student pilot's lack of total experience, inadequate airspeed and the low altitude.Mar 26, 1995 · N757JQ · DestroyedNTSB SEA95LA035Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Lehi, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance above the terrain. Factors include the pilot inadvertently becoming lost/disoriented, his improper inflight decision to attempt to maneuver through unfamiliar mountainous terrain to his original destination,…Dec 29, 1994 · N24741 · Substantial damageNTSB ATL95FA013Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Dresden, TNThe pilot in command's (CFI) impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol and drugs, which led to his failure to maintain separation from terrain.Nov 9, 1994 · N24834 · DestroyedNTSB SEA94LA032Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Seattle, WAThe student pilot failed to flare. His diverted attention was a factor.Nov 14, 1993 · N5366M · Substantial damageNTSB ATL93LA161Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Greensboro, NCThe student pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions during the touch and go landing. Factors were the crosswind conditions, and the hidden obstruction (rock) in the grass adjacent to the runway.Sep 19, 1993 · N4794B · Substantial damageNTSB MIA93LA089Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · La Belle, FLImproper in-flight planning/decision by the student pilot, and inadequate supervision of the flight by the instructor pilot (CFI). Factors related to the accident were: the tailwind, and the student pilot's improper flare and transition to an aborted landing,…Mar 22, 1993 · N94187 · Substantial damageNTSB NYC93LA045Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Quaker Street, NYThe failure of the pilot to determine runway conditions prior to landing which resulted in the airplane being damaged upon touchdown on the snow covered runway.Dec 13, 1992 · N46725 · Substantial damageNTSB MIA93FA009Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · New Port Richey, FLLoss of control inflight by the pilot for undetermined reasons.Oct 21, 1992 · N757SM · DestroyedNTSB LAX92FA236Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Sylmar, CAThe pilot's failure to adequately judge and evaluate the weather conditions and his improper in-flight decision to fly close to clouds. These acts led to his entering IMC and becoming lost and disoriented.Jun 5, 1992 · N701KA · DestroyedNTSB FTW92LA039Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Las Cruces, NMThe pilot's misjudgment of the airplane's performance which led to a situation where it could not climb above the rising terrain. A factor was the high density altitude which existed in the mountains at the time of the accident.Dec 8, 1991 · N4628Q · Substantial damageNTSB FTW91DRD08Accident · No injuriesFinal reportCessna 152 · Ruston, LAThe cfi's exceeding the airplane's takeoff performance capability.Sep 11, 1991 · N93621 · Substantial damageNTSB NYC91FA196Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · New Paltz, NYFailure of the instructor pilot (CFI) to assure that the proper altitude was maintained. A factor related to the accident was: the cfi's lack of experience in the type of operation.Aug 2, 1991 · N6494Q · DestroyedNTSB SEA91LA177Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Walla Walla, WAThe student pilot's poor compensation for wind conditions. Factors were downdrafts and the student pilots lack of experience in this type of operation.Jul 17, 1991 · N48965 · Substantial damageNTSB CHI91LA015Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Hannibal, MOThe pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing. Factors were: excessive airspeed and the pilot's lack of total experience.Oct 22, 1990 · N24359 · Substantial damageNTSB CHI90LA271Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Lakeville, MNThe pilot in command attempting to force the airplane onto the runway.Sep 23, 1990 · N89038 · Substantial damageNTSB CHI90LA138Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Bad Axe, MIFailure of the pilot to abort the takeoff with sufficient runway to stop the aircraft. Contributing to the accident is a lack of total flying experience.May 28, 1990 · N4754B · Substantial damageNTSB LAX90LA102Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Lake Elsinore, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain visual lookout.Feb 24, 1990 · N67558 · Substantial damageNTSB CHI90LA011Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Hillsdale, MIPoor judgement of the student pilot by not following his flight instructor's directions on his first supervised solo flight and by not maintaining a safe altitude, which resulted in a collision with the terrain. Related factors were: unauthorized low flight…Oct 14, 1989 · N757GB · DestroyedNTSB LAX89FA334Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Lancaster, CAThe pilot's decision to enter into IMC while flying under VFR. Factors contributing to accident were: low ceilings, poor planning and decisions, failure to obtain a preflight briefing and not performing a weather evaluation.Sep 30, 1989 · N6422M · DestroyedNTSB MIA89FA252Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Ochopee, FLFailure of the pilot to maintain altitude/clearance over the terrain. Related factors were: dark night, spatial disorientation of the pilot, and his lack of experience in the type of operation (night flying).Sep 21, 1989 · N47009 · DestroyedNTSB SEA89LA147Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Mollala, ORPilot displayed poor judgement and did not adequately plan for the flight. The pilot was unfamiliar with the area and terrain conditions. As a result, the airplane was not able to attain sufficient altitude for the conditions to clear the terrain.Aug 6, 1989 · N95099 · Substantial damageNTSB LAX89LA258Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Fremont, CAThe pilot's improper inflight decison to land on an unlighted runway during the hours of darkness. Darkness and the lack of runway lights were related factors.Aug 2, 1989 · N5298B · Substantial damageNTSB LAX89FA229Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Cordes, AZThe pilot misjudged his altitude, while maneuvering at low altitude over mountainous terrain. Factors related to the accident were: high density altitude, mountainous terrain, and diversion of the pilot's attention.Jun 30, 1989 · N5199Q · DestroyedNTSB ANC89LA015Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Nenana, AKThe instructor pilot was demonstrating a soft-field landing to his student pilot when he flared the airplane too high, and allowed the crosswind to carry the airplane off the left side of the runway where it hit a runway light and a snow berm, then nosed…Nov 8, 1988 · N48943 · Substantial damageNTSB NYC88LA241Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Millbrook, NYThe private plt-in-command was seated in the right seat and his commercial plt-pax was seated in the left seat. The plt in command was at the controls. The acft was on final apch. The plt said the wind was from 170 deg. He did not give the wind velocity. He…Sep 25, 1988 · N94228 · DestroyedNTSB FTW88FA151Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Bushland, TXThere were no witnesses to this accident. The airplane impacted the terrain at high speed, in a near wings level, 75 degree nose down attitude. No preimpact problems were found with the airplane or powerplant. Airplane was over weight and had an aft CG at…Aug 24, 1988 · N5351M · DestroyedNTSB CHI88LA113Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Nauvoo, ILThe pilot was making a 'fast low approach' to a private airstrip near his home when he realized he was coming too close to a row of trees. The pilot stated he became so preoccupied with trying not to hit the trees that he did not notice how close the aircraft…May 12, 1988 · N757ZY · DestroyedNTSB ATL88LA140Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Center Village, OHThe CFI attempted to demonstrate a short-field takeoff to his student, with a tailwind. He reported believing at the time that a light cross-wind/quartering tailwind was blowing. He elected to depart from rwy 27, because rwy 09 had utility wires at the…Apr 12, 1988 · N5089P · Substantial damage