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Student Pilot's First Solo Flight Ends in Hard Landing and Nose Gear Strike (N251ER)

Cottonwood, AZ, US

On May 7, 1990, a Cessna 172N (registration N251ER) operated by Embry Riddle Aeronautical was involved in an aviation accident near Cottonwood, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's premature retraction of the flaps during the go-around, as stated by the supervising CFI. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 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 aircraft landed hard and bounced, then during a go-around, premature flap retraction led to a nose-first runway strike.

Incident Overview

A student pilot (SP) was conducting her first supervised solo flight. On the second approach for landing, the aircraft was observed to be too high. The SP entered a slip maneuver to lose altitude. The aircraft subsequently touched down hard and bounced on the main landing gear.

Go-Around and Outcome

The supervising certified flight instructor (CFI) instructed the SP to go around via a portable radio. The SP initiated the go-around. The aircraft was noted to climb and then begin to descend. According to the CFI, the SP raised the flaps prematurely. The aircraft descended and struck the runway nose gear first.

Flight Details

The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, date, location, or other details. The incident occurred during a solo flight with a student pilot under supervision of a CFI communicating via portable radio.

Probable cause

The student pilot's premature retraction of the flaps during the go-around, as stated by the supervising CFI.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 May 1990 Cessna 172N accident near Cottonwood, AZ?

During a student pilot's first supervised solo flight, the aircraft landed hard and bounced, then during a go-around, premature flap retraction led to a nose-first runway strike.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 May 1990 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N251ER, operated by Embry Riddle Aeronautical, at Cottonwood, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's premature retraction of the flaps during the go-around, as stated by the supervising CFI.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23179. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.