Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadvertent activation of the flaps. Factors in the accident were the weather conditions and the dark night.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that she attempted to land on rwy 20 twice, but experienced a tailwind on final. She then set up to land on rwy 25, but initiated another go-around due to the wind. After adding full power for the go-around, 'turbulence caused my hand to slip down on the flap lever giving the aircraft full flaps (30 degrees).' the aircraft porpoised down the runway and landed 'very hard' on the gear. The pilot then retarded the throttle and brought the aircraft to a full stop. After exiting the aircraft the pilot noticed a fire under the engine cowling.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 28, 1995, at 2130 mountain daylight time (MDT), a Cessna 152, N49209, was substantially damaged during landing near Raton, New Mexico. The private pilot sustained minor injuries. The aircraft was being operated as a solo cross country instructional flight by Aims Community College, under 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated in Pueblo, Colorado at 2015 MDT. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a VFR flight plan was filed. In the Pilot/Operator Report, the pilot stated that she attempted to land on runway 20 twice, but on final approach the aircraft experienced a tailwind. She then set up to land on runway 25, but initiated another go-around due to the wind. She further reported that after adding full power "turbulence caused my hand to slip down on the flap lever giving the aircraft full flaps (30 degrees)." The aircraft porpoised down and into runway 25. The aircraft travelled half the distance down the runway and landed "very hard" on the nose gear and the main landing gear. The pilot reported that she retarded the throttle following the "hard" landing. Post-crash examination of the aircraft by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed a separated nose gear and structural damage to the fuselage. During the "hard" landing the carburetor was separated and fuel was pumped into the engine nacelle. As the aircraft was rolling down the runway a fire erupted in the nacelle. -