FTW04LA020

Factual narrative

On November 12, 2003, at 0130 central standard time, a Cessna 152 single-engine airplane, N95604, was substantially damaged following a loss of control shortly after take-off from Runway 13 at the Mineral Wells Airport (MWL), near Mineral Wells, Texas. The airplane was registered to and operated by the State of Texas, Waco, Texas. The private pilot and the passenger were seriously injured. Dark night visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal cross-country flight conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. In a written statement, a witness reported that she observed the airplane taxi to the end of the runway, turn around, and depart. When the airplane was approximately 250 to 300 feet above the ground, it "came straight down nose end first." The pilot stated that he had no recollection of the flight after take-off. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, who responded to the accident site, performed an examination of the airplane. The examination revealed that the airplane impacted the runway, skidded, and came to rest about 60 feet from where it initially impacted. Three propeller strikes were engraved in the asphalt just forward of the initial impact point. The left wing, engine, propeller and cockpit area were substantially damaged. The flaps were retracted, and the elevator trim tab was in the neutral position. Flight control continuity was established, and no mechanical deficiencies were noted. The pilot reported a total of 220.2 flight hours; 89 hours in make and model, of which, 34.8 hours were at night. Weather reported at the airport at 0153 was wind from 160 degrees at 6 knots, and clear skies. The airplane departed on a night cross country flight. Shortly after take off, when the airplane was approximately 250 to 300 feet above the ground, it was observed to descend straight down toward the ground, nose first. The pilot has no recollection of the flight after he took off. Examination of the airplane revealed there were no mechanical deficiencies. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12