Casualties unknown

Pilot's Initial Solo Landing Attempt Ends with Nose and Propeller Contacting Runway (N757ZJ)

Montague, CA, US

On August 24, 1991, a Cessna 152 (registration N757ZJ) operated by Montague Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Montague, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER FLARE AND IMPROPER GO-AROUND PROCEDURE. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE LACK OF TOTAL PILOT EXPERIENCE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 11 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During his first solo flight after endorsement, a pilot leveled the airplane too high, attempted a go-around, retracted flaps, then changed configuration, resulting in nose and propeller impact with the runway.

Event Summary

A pilot on his first solo flight after being endorsed for solo operations experienced an incident during landing. The pilot was performing a landing approach when he leveled the airplane too high above the runway. Subsequently, the pilot decided to abort the landing and initiated a go-around maneuver.

Sequence of Maneuvers

During the go-around, the pilot applied full engine power and retracted the flaps. Following these actions, the airplane began to settle back towards the runway surface. In an attempt to land instead, the pilot then selected 10 degrees of flaps and reduced power. Additionally, the pilot lowered the airplane's nose to increase airspeed. As a result of these control inputs, the nose of the airplane and the propeller made contact with the runway.

The sequence of events ended with the nose and propeller contacting the runway after a series of configuration changes during the go-around and subsequent landing attempt.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17914. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.