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Casualties unknown

Soft Field Landing Practice Ends with Nosewheel Collapse and Inversion (N714UH)

Holland, MI, US

On May 31, 1991, a Cessna 152 II (registration N714UH) operated by Tulip City Air Service, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Holland, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE DURING THE TOUCHDOWN AND LANDING ROLL ON A SOD RUNWAY. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT ARE THE UNEVEN TERRAIN AT THE RUNWAY INTERSECTION, AND THE PILOT'S IMPROPER RECOVERY FROM A BOUNCED LANDING. 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

During soft field landing practice on a grass runway, the airplane contacted pavement from a crossing runway/taxiway, bounced, the nosewheel collapsed, and the airplane came to rest inverted.

Accident Overview

A pilot practicing airwork and landings in preparation for a commercial pilot check ride decided to perform a soft field landing on a grass runway. The pilot reported that the approach and landing flare were normal, but as the airplane touched down, it contacted an area of pavement from a crossing runway or taxiway. The airplane then bounced several times, causing the nosewheel to collapse. The airplane subsequently came to rest inverted.

Sequence of Events

The landing was intended as a soft field procedure. After a normal approach and flare, the airplane made contact with a paved surface intersecting the grass runway. This contact led to multiple bounces. During the bounces, the nosewheel structure failed, and the airplane overturned.

Outcome

The airplane sustained damage due to the collapse of the nosewheel and the inversion. No occupant injuries were reported in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 May 1991 Cessna 152 II accident near Holland, MI?

During soft field landing practice on a grass runway, the airplane contacted pavement from a crossing runway/taxiway, bounced, the nosewheel collapsed, and the airplane came to rest inverted.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 May 1991 involved a Cessna 152 II, registration N714UH, operated by Tulip City Air Service, Inc., at Holland, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE DURING THE TOUCHDOWN AND LANDING ROLL ON A SOD RUNWAY. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT ARE THE UNEVEN TERRAIN AT THE RUNWAY INTERSECTION, AND THE PILOT'S IMPROPER RECOVERY FROM A BOUNCED LANDING.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16968. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.