On August 29, 1988, a Cessna 152 (registration N46972) was involved in an aviation accident near Goodyear, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to flare the aircraft at the proper time, resulting in a nosewheel-first impact with the terrain. 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 failed to flare properly during a second supervised solo landing attempt, causing the aircraft to collide with terrain nosewheel first.
What happened
The accident occurred while a student pilot was conducting her second supervised solo flight. The pilot had previously completed one touch-and-go landing successfully. During the subsequent approach for a full stop landing, the pilot failed to flare the aircraft at the appropriate altitude and airspeed. Consequently, the airplane impacted the ground nosewheel first.
The investigation
Post-acc examination confirmed that the primary cause was the pilot's failure to execute the proper flare technique during the landing phase. No mechanical anomalies were identified as contributing factors.
Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to flare the aircraft at the proper time, resulting in a nosewheel-first impact with the terrain.
What happened in the 29 Aug 1988 Cessna 152 accident near Goodyear, AZ?
A student pilot failed to flare properly during a second supervised solo landing attempt, causing the aircraft to collide with terrain nosewheel first.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Aug 1988 involved a Cessna 152, registration N46972, at Goodyear, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's failure to flare the aircraft at the proper time, resulting in a nosewheel-first impact with the terrain.
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