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Student Pilot Noses Over After Porpoising Landing (N68271)

Atwater, CA, US

On May 30, 1990, a Cessna 152 (registration N68271) operated by Central Valley Skyway was involved in an aviation accident near Atwater, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT FLARED THE AIRPLANE TOO HIGH AND IMPROPERLY RECOVERED FROM THE BOUNCED LANDING. CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF THE NORMAL BRAKES AND THE SOFT 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a supervised solo flight, a student pilot experienced a hard landing that led to porpoising. On the third touchdown, the left wheel contacted the runway shoulder; braking caused the aircraft to nose over onto its back.

Flight Details

A student pilot, flying with an instructor for 36 minutes practicing takeoffs and landings, subsequently departed on her second supervised solo flight.

Incident Sequence

During the first landing of the solo flight, the pilot landed the airplane hard, causing it to bounce. The airplane then began to porpoise. On the third touchdown, the airplane's left wheel contacted the left soft shoulder of the runway. The pilot applied the brakes, and the airplane nosed over onto its back.

Outcome

The aircraft came to rest inverted on the runway. No further details about occupants or damage are provided in the source.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 152 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 May 1990 Cessna 152 accident near Atwater, CA?

During a supervised solo flight, a student pilot experienced a hard landing that led to porpoising. On the third touchdown, the left wheel contacted the runway shoulder; braking caused the aircraft to nose over onto its back.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 May 1990 Cessna 152 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 May 1990 involved a Cessna 152, registration N68271, operated by Central Valley Skyway, at Atwater, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT FLARED THE AIRPLANE TOO HIGH AND IMPROPERLY RECOVERED FROM THE BOUNCED LANDING. CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF THE NORMAL BRAKES AND THE SOFT TERRAIN.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23193. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.