Cessna 152 N6434H

Summary

On 10 August 2000 at about 01:32 local time, a Cessna 152 registered N6434H was involved in an accident near Hillsboro, Oregon, United States. 2 people were on board and one was seriously injured, one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

10 August 2000 at 01:32

Classification

Accident

Location

Hillsboro, Oregon, United States

Nearest airport

Portland-Hillsboro (HIO)

Coordinates

45.5792, -122.9094

Aircraft

Cessna 152

Registration

N6434H

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Instructional

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Hillsboro → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

SEA00LA156

1 person was seriously injured.

An inadequately planned approach. The encounter of wake turbulence and not being able to maintain aircraft control were factors.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The student pilot reported that the airplane was trailing about 30 seconds behind two Life Flight helicopters on final approach for landing. About 500 feet before the end of the runway, the helicopters turned to the right toward the ramp area. The student pilot, who was on the flight controls at the time, stated that the approach was continued and at about 100-150 feet AGL and 60 knots airspeed, the airplane suddenly rolled to the right about 90 degrees. The flight instructor took over the controls and righted the aircraft, however, it continued to settle to the ground in a nose down attitude. The airplane collided with the ground about 200 feet short of the end of the runway and slid about 60 feet before coming to rest. Inspection of the flight control system did not reveal a mechanical failure or malfunction. The operator of the aircraft stated that he believed that wake turbulence from the helicopters contributed to the aircraft's sudden roll and subsequent collision with the ground.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.