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Student Pilot Loses Control During Solo Practice Landing (N757LM)

Owensboro, KY, US

On March 26, 1987, a Cessna 152 (registration N757LM) was involved in an aviation accident near Owensboro, KY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control and proper descent rate during landing, resulting in an excessive bounce and subsequent nose gear collapse. 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 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot lost control of the aircraft during a solo practice landing when the plane bounced excessively and landed hard on the nose gear, causing structural damage.

What happened

During a solo practice flight, a student pilot with 16 hours of experience attempted to land on runway 23. The pilot touched down at an indicated airspeed of 70 knots but failed to maintain control as the aircraft bounced. After three bounces, the nose landing gear collapsed, and the aircraft skidded to a stop.

The investigation

Examination of the aircraft revealed no reported mechanical difficulties prior to the incident. The damage was consistent with the hard landing described by the pilot's account of the bounce sequence.

Findings

The primary factor in this accident was the student pilot's inability to control the aircraft during the landing phase. The excessive bouncing led to a collapse of the nose landing gear. No other mechanical issues were identified.

Probable cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control and proper descent rate during landing, resulting in an excessive bounce and subsequent nose gear collapse.
Loss of control in flight

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 152 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Mar 1987 Cessna 152 accident near Owensboro, KY?

A student pilot lost control of the aircraft during a solo practice landing when the plane bounced excessively and landed hard on the nose gear, causing structural damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Mar 1987 involved a Cessna 152, registration N757LM, at Owensboro, KY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control and proper descent rate during landing, resulting in an excessive bounce and subsequent nose gear collapse.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X30378. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.