On September 22, 1987, a Cessna 172P (registration N5366K) operated by American Flyers was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Monica, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in the aircraft nosing down into the runway after over-correcting for a wind gust. 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.
A student pilot on his first supervised solo flight over-corrected after a gust caused the aircraft to balloon, resulting in substantial damage during landing.
What happened
The incident occurred while a student pilot was conducting his first supervised solo flight. Prior to the accident sequence, the pilot successfully completed two full-stop landings without any issues or complications.
During the third landing attempt, the aircraft encountered a gust of wind which caused it to balloon upward. The pilot reported that he attempted to over-correct for this movement. This correction resulted in the nose of the aircraft dropping sharply and impacting the runway surface. The impact caused substantial damage to the aircraft.
Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in the aircraft nosing down into the runway after over-correcting for a wind gust.
What happened in the 22 Sept 1987 Cessna 172P accident near Santa Monica, CA?
A student pilot on his first supervised solo flight over-corrected after a gust caused the aircraft to balloon, resulting in substantial damage during landing.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 22 Sept 1987 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N5366K, operated by American Flyers, at Santa Monica, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in the aircraft nosing down into the runway after over-correcting for a wind gust.
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