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NTSB Identification: MIA00LA238. The docket is stored in the (offline) NTSB Imaging System.

Accident occurred Tuesday, August 15, 2000 at GAINESVILLE, FL

Aircraft: Cessna 152, registration: N93589

Injuries: 2 Minor



Event: 20001212X21799 Status: Final Report Approved On Thursday, May 17, 2001



NTSB Preliminary Narrative (6120.19A)



On August 15, 2000, about 1055 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 152, N93589, registered to Air Lease, Inc., crashed into trees shortly after

takeoff from Gainesville Regional Airport, Gainesville, Florida, while on a Title 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions

prevailed at the time and a visual flight rules flight plan was filed. The aircraft received substantial damage and the commercial-rated flight

instructor and student pilot received minor injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.



The instructor stated that during climb, shortly after takeoff, the engine rpm fluctuated between 2,300 and 2,400. He then saw rpm had

dropped to 2,100. He took the controls from the student and initiated a left turn back towards the airport. He saw that he could not make the

airport and selected a wooded area south of the airport for a landing. The aircraft crashed through the trees and came to rest on the ground. A

postcrash fire erupted in the engine area.



A witness who was located at the approach end of runway 24 under a sunshade stated he observed N93589 taxi to the end of runway 24.

He did not pay much attention to the airplane at this time and does not know if the pilots performed an engine runup. When he heard the airplane

start the takeoff roll, he stepped out from under the sunshade to watch. The engine did not sound like it was producing full power as the takeoff

roll started. The airplane made a long takeoff roll and lifted off about two thirds of the way down the runway. The airplane climbed slow after

liftoff and started a left turn, with a nose-high attitude. The airplane then stalled and the left wing dropped. The airplane descended into the trees.

The engine continued to run until the airplane impacted the trees.



Postcrash examination of the engine was performed by an FAA inspector and a representative from Lycoming Engines. The aircraft and

engine fuel lines were found unobstructed. The propeller blades were bent forward, consistent with the engine running at the time of ground

impact. A small fire had occurred in the area of the airbox and carburetor. The engine was supported and a fuel source supplied. The engine

was then started and allowed to warm for about 2 minutes. When the throttle was advanced to the full power position, the engine obtained

1,700 rpm and ran roughly. The engine was shut down and the spark plugs were removed. The spark plugs had a high buildup of carbon and

lead deposits on the electrodes. Magneto timing was found at 22 degrees before top center for the left and 21 degrees before top center on the

right. The Lycoming specifications call for 20 degrees before top center. Each cylinder had compression within normal limits. The spark plugs

were cleaned and the bent propeller was replaced with a undamaged propeller. The engine was started and operated to full static power of

2,200 rpm with no evidence of failure or malfunction. (See Lycoming Report)



NTSB Final Narrative (6120.4)



The flight instructor stated that during climb after takeoff, the engine lost power and the rpm dropped to about 2,100. He took the controls from

the student and initiated a left turn back toward the airport. When he realized he could not make the airport, he landed in trees. A witness stated

the engine did not sound like it was producing full power from the beginning of takeoff roll and the airplane made a long takeoff roll using about

two thirds of the 4,158 foot runway. After liftoff, the airplane climbed slow and the pilot's initiated a turn to the left with a nose high attitude. The

airplane stalled and the left wing dropped. The airplane descended and crashed into the trees. He heard the engine continue to run until the

airplane crashed. Postcrash examination of the engine showed the spark plugs were fouled with carbon and lead deposits and the propeller

blades were bent forward. The engine was started and operated roughly to 1,700 rpm. After cleaning the plugs and changing the bent propeller,

the engine was started and operated to 2,200 rpm, full static rpm.



NTSB Probable Cause Narrative



The flight instructor's failure to identify a partial loss of engine power during takeoff roll, and his failure to maintain airspeed while attempting to

return to the airport after takeoff resulting in the airplane stalling and descending uncontrolled until impact with trees and the ground.



Occurrences and Sequence of Events

Occurrence: 1, LOSS OF ENGINE POWER

Phase of Operation: TAKEOFF - ROLL/RUN



Sequence of Events for Occurrence Number: 1

1 (Finding) IGNITION SYSTEM, SPARK PLUG / FOULED / (0)

2 ( Cause ) MISCELLANEOUS / NOT IDENTIFIED / PILOT IN COMMAND (CFI)



Occurrence: 2, LOSS OF CONTROL - IN FLIGHT

Phase of Operation: TAKEOFF - INITIAL CLIMB



Sequence of Events for Occurrence Number: 2

3 ( Cause ) AIRSPEED (VS) / NOT MAINTAINED / PILOT IN COMMAND (CFI)

4 (Finding) STALL / INADVERTENT / PILOT IN COMMAND (CFI)



Occurrence: 3, IN FLIGHT COLLISION WITH OBJECT

Phase of Operation: DESCENT - UNCONTROLLED



Sequence of Events for Occurrence Number: 3

5 (Finding) OBJECT / TREE(S) / (0)



Occurrence: 4, IN FLIGHT COLLISION WITH TERRAIN/WATER

Phase of Operation: DESCENT - UNCONTROLLED



Sequence of Events for Occurrence Number: 4

6 (Finding) TERRAIN CONDITIONS / GROUND / (0)


 

 

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