Probable cause
The student pilot's improper configuration of the airplane flaps during an aborted landing, which resulted in an inadequate climb rate and subsequent collision with trees.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot landed at the wrong airport during a solo flight. He aborted the landing and initiated a climb; however, he left the flaps fully extended. Because of the drag due to the flap extension, the airplane could not climb sufficiently to avoid trees at the departure end of the runway and impacted the trees.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12LA314 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 21, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Ardmore, Oklahoma
- Nearest airport
- Ardmore Downtown Executive Air (1F0)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 152
- N-number
- N6102Q
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.