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Nose gear failure and nosedown landing following multiple bounces (N68320)

Cotulla, TX, US

On April 17, 1983, a Cessna 152 (registration N68320) operated by Alpha Tango Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Cotulla, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during a bouncy landing, which resulted in the nose gear collapsing after the aircraft was lifted by a gust of wind onto its nose. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-23Data APIEditorial standards

The aircraft bounced during landing, leading to a second touchdown where gusts lifted the plane onto its nose, causing gear collapse and a nosedown attitude upon final contact.

What happened

According to the pilot's account, the aircraft experienced a bouncy landing sequence that ultimately resulted in significant structural damage. During the initial approach, the airplane bounced back into the air after the first touchdown. The pilot attempted to correct the descent, but the same bouncing motion occurred on the second touchdown.

Following the second contact with the runway, a gust of wind lifted the aircraft off the ground again. This unexpected lift caused the airplane to settle onto its nose gear rather than the main landing gear. On the third and final touchdown, the nose gear failed under the stress, causing the aircraft to nosed over completely.

The investigation

The available source material does not provide specific details regarding mechanical inspections or post-accident examination of the airframe components beyond the pilot's narrative of the event sequence.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control during a bouncy landing, which resulted in the nose gear collapsing after the aircraft was lifted by a gust of wind onto its nose.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 152 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Apr 1983 Cessna 152 accident near Cotulla, TX?

The aircraft bounced during landing, leading to a second touchdown where gusts lifted the plane onto its nose, causing gear collapse and a nosedown attitude upon final contact.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Apr 1983 involved a Cessna 152, registration N68320, operated by Alpha Tango Flying Service, at Cotulla, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain control during a bouncy landing, which resulted in the nose gear collapsing after the aircraft was lifted by a gust of wind onto its nose.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X42698. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.