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Nose Gear Collapses During Student Pilot's First Solo Landing (N68001)

Salisbury, NC, US

On November 30, 1988, a Cessna 152 (registration N68001) operated by Hess Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Salisbury, NC. No fatalities were reported. 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

During a student pilot's first supervised solo flight, the airplane bounced on landing, porpoised, and the nose gear collapsed on the third bounce, causing structural damage to the engine firewall.

Accident Overview

A student pilot experienced a landing mishap during her first supervised solo flight. The accident occurred when the airplane, after a high and fast final approach, made a three-point landing that resulted in a bounce.

Sequence of Events

While on final approach, the student pilot pushed the airplane's nose down after realizing she was too high, leading to an increase in airspeed. The instructor reported that the airplane was too high and too fast on final approach. The airplane subsequently made a three-point landing and bounced. The student then lowered the nose, causing the airplane to touch down again and begin porpoising. On the third bounce, the nose gear collapsed, and the airplane skidded to a stop.

Damage

The airplane sustained structural damage to the engine firewall as a result of the mishap.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 152 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Nov 1988 Cessna 152 accident near Salisbury, NC?

During a student pilot's first supervised solo flight, the airplane bounced on landing, porpoised, and the nose gear collapsed on the third bounce, causing structural damage to the engine firewall.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Nov 1988 Cessna 152 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Nov 1988 involved a Cessna 152, registration N68001, operated by Hess Aviation, at Salisbury, NC.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27208. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.