Casualties unknown

Student Pilot's Flap Error Leads to Hard Landing During First Solo Flight (N67522)

Hawthorne, CA, US

On May 10, 1984, a Cessna 152 (registration N67522) was involved in an aviation accident near Hawthorne, CA. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a student pilot's first ground-supervised solo flight, a flap extension error on base leg led to a hard touchdown on the nose landing gear and multiple bounces on the runway.

Flight Sequence

During the first ground supervised solo flight, the tower controller noted a change in the student pilot's voice tone while the aircraft was on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern. On the base leg, the student did not extend the second increment of flaps as was routinely instructed.

Flap Extension Error

On short final, the student recognized the mistake and extended the flaps to the full position. The aircraft subsequently touched down hard on the nose landing gear and made several bounces on the runway before coming to rest.

Post-Event Condition

The aircraft came to rest after the series of bounces. No further details about damage or injuries were provided in the source.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 May 1984 Cessna 152 accident near Hawthorne, CA?

During a student pilot's first ground-supervised solo flight, a flap extension error on base leg led to a hard touchdown on the nose landing gear and multiple bounces on the runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 May 1984 involved a Cessna 152, registration N67522, at Hawthorne, CA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X39631. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.