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Student Pilot's Improper Flare Results in Hard Landing (N6419M)

Seattle, WA, US

On August 23, 1988, a Cessna 152 (registration N6419M) operated by Flight Tach, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Seattle, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Student pilot executed improper flare resulting in hard landing. 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

A student pilot on a solo flight executed an improper flare, causing a hard landing followed by multiple bounces. The pilot reported the incident after parking and was scheduled for additional training on bounced landing recovery.

Incident Details

A student pilot flying solo experienced a hard landing after executing an improper flare. According to the pilot's report, the approach was high on final, which the pilot considered acceptable. During the flare, the aircraft dropped to the runway and bounced. The student then added power and raised the nose. When the stall warning sounded, the nose was lowered, resulting in a second bounce. After parking, the student reported the hard landing.

Training Follow-Up

Following the incident, the student was scheduled for additional touch-and-go landing practice and training on go-arounds and recovery from bounced landings.

Probable cause

Student pilot executed improper flare resulting in hard landing.
Loss of control in flight

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 152 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Aug 1988 Cessna 152 accident near Seattle, WA?

A student pilot on a solo flight executed an improper flare, causing a hard landing followed by multiple bounces. The pilot reported the incident after parking and was scheduled for additional training on bounced landing recovery.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Aug 1988 involved a Cessna 152, registration N6419M, operated by Flight Tach, Inc., at Seattle, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Student pilot executed improper flare resulting in hard landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X26722. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.