No fatalities

Student Pilot Porpoises on First Solo Flight, Nose Gear Collapses (N91360)

Lincoln, CA, US

On July 4, 1986, a Piper PA-38 (registration N91360) was involved in an aviation accident near Lincoln, CA. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot on his first solo flight experienced a porpoise on touchdown, leading to nose gear collapse and the aircraft coming to rest partially off the left side of the runway.

Event Details

The student pilot reported that this was his first solo flight. He had accumulated a total of 6.8 hours of flight time prior to this flight. He had flown earlier in the day with his flight instructor. After two landings with the flight instructor, the student pilot was endorsed for solo flight.

Sequence of Events

According to the student pilot, on the second solo traffic pattern, the aircraft bounced on touchdown and began to porpoise. The nose gear then collapsed. The aircraft came to rest partially off the left side of the runway.

Findings

The student pilot had completed two supervised landings before being endorsed for solo flight. The accident occurred during the second solo traffic pattern. The aircraft porpoised after touchdown, resulting in collapse of the nose gear. The aircraft ended up partially off the runway surface.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Jul 1986 Piper PA-38 accident near Lincoln, CA?

A student pilot on his first solo flight experienced a porpoise on touchdown, leading to nose gear collapse and the aircraft coming to rest partially off the left side of the runway.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Jul 1986 Piper PA-38 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Jul 1986 involved a Piper PA-38, registration N91360, at Lincoln, CA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X34219. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.