Casualties unknown

Student Pilot's Low and Slow Approach Leads to Hard Landing and Nose Gear Failure (N68729)

Liberty, MO, US

On June 15, 1986, a Cessna 152 (registration N68729) was involved in an aviation accident near Liberty, MO. 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 dual training session, a student pilot became too low and slow on final approach. The instructor took control and initiated a go-around, but the aircraft landed hard, resulting in a wing strike and nose gear separation.

Incident Overview

A flight instructor reported that a dual training session with a student pilot progressed well, leading to the decision to practice traffic pattern airwork. The traffic pattern entry and letdown were normal, but during the full flap final approach, the student allowed the aircraft to become too low and slow.

Instructor Intervention

Recognizing the deteriorating situation, the instructor took control of the aircraft and attempted to arrest the descent while maintaining airspeed. As part of the recovery, he initiated a go-around and retracted the flaps.

Hard Landing

Despite these efforts, the aircraft landed hard on the runway in an unstable attitude. The right wing contacted the ground first, followed by the nose gear being sheared off as the airplane skidded to a stop.

Damage and Outcome

The hard landing resulted in structural damage to the right wing and complete separation of the nose gear. No further details were provided regarding injuries or aircraft registration.

All Cessna 152 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Jun 1986 Cessna 152 accident near Liberty, MO?

During a dual training session, a student pilot became too low and slow on final approach. The instructor took control and initiated a go-around, but the aircraft landed hard, resulting in a wing strike and nose gear separation.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Jun 1986 involved a Cessna 152, registration N68729, at Liberty, MO.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X33974. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.