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Student Pilot's Hard Landing Leads to Runway Excursion and Nose Over (N2665L)

Buena Vista, CO, US

On October 23, 1990, a Cessna 172H (registration N2665L) operated by Arkansas Valley Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Buena Vista, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO FLARE PROPERLY DURING LANDING. THE PILOT'S TOTAL LACK OF EXPERIENCE IS A FACTOR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

A student pilot on a solo flight executed a hard landing on runway 15, causing the aircraft to porpoise, depart the runway to the left, descend a five-foot embankment, nose over, and come to rest inverted. No injuries were reported.

Incident

A student pilot, flying solo under the supervision of a flight instructor, made a hard landing on runway 15. The aircraft porpoised after touchdown and departed the runway to the left. It then went down a five-foot embankment, nosed over, and came to rest inverted off the east side of the runway.

Damage

Both wing spars, the fuselage, and the vertical stabilizer were damaged during the accident sequence.

Investigation

The investigation revealed that the aircraft touched down well left of the runway centerline. The nose wheel impacted the ground with sufficient force to break the wheel rim, blow out the tire and tube, and make steering difficult. The Flight Information Publication Airport Directory warns of a five-foot drop along the east edge of the runway.

Conditions

Calm winds prevailed during the entire accident sequence. There were no injuries.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Oct 1990 Cessna 172H accident near Buena Vista, CO?

A student pilot on a solo flight executed a hard landing on runway 15, causing the aircraft to porpoise, depart the runway to the left, descend a five-foot embankment, nose over, and come to rest inverted. No injuries were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Oct 1990 Cessna 172H accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Oct 1990 involved a Cessna 172H, registration N2665L, operated by Arkansas Valley Aviation, at Buena Vista, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO FLARE PROPERLY DURING LANDING. THE PILOT'S TOTAL LACK OF EXPERIENCE IS A FACTOR.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24457. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.