On January 29, 1992, a Cessna 172N (registration N6087D) operated by Cottonwood Air Service was involved in an aviation accident near Cottonwood, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE STUDENT PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED AND PREMATURE RAISING OF THE FLAPS. CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE IMPROPER RECOVERY FROM A BOUNCED LANDING, LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE, AND THE INADVERTENT STALL. 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.
A student pilot on a solo flight lost control after a bounced landing, retracted flaps prematurely, and the aircraft cartwheeled off the runway.
Background
A student pilot received dual instruction in touch-and-go takeoffs and landings before the accident flight. After the flight instructor was satisfied with the student's performance, the student was cleared to solo.
Accident Sequence
The student successfully completed two touch-and-go landings and takeoffs. During the third landing, the airplane bounced and turned sideways. The student applied power. After lift-off, the student immediately retracted the flaps and failed to maintain flying speed. The airplane settled, and the left wing contacted the runway, causing the airplane to cartwheel off the left side of the runway.
Outcome
The aircraft cartwheeled off the left side of the runway following the wing strike. The source does not specify any injuries or damage details beyond the cartwheel.
What happened in the 29 Jan 1992 Cessna 172N accident near Cottonwood, AZ?
A student pilot on a solo flight lost control after a bounced landing, retracted flaps prematurely, and the aircraft cartwheeled off the runway.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Jan 1992 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N6087D, operated by Cottonwood Air Service, at Cottonwood, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE STUDENT PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED AND PREMATURE RAISING OF THE FLAPS. CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE IMPROPER RECOVERY FROM A BOUNCED LANDING, LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE, AND THE INADVERTENT STALL.
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