No fatalities

Student Pilot Loses Control on Landing During Solo Flight (N98662)

Santa Monica, CA, US

On March 9, 1992, a Cessna 172P (registration N98662) operated by American Flyers, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Monica, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S MISJUDGED LANDING FLARE AND HER IMPROPER BOUNCED LANDING RECOVERY TECHNIQUE. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE THE AIRPLANE'S EXCESSIVE APPROACH AIRSPEED AND THE STUDENT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE. 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.

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

A student pilot lost control during her second supervised solo flight after a bounced landing led to a severe porpoise action, causing substantial damage to the firewall.

Incident Details

A student pilot was performing her second supervised solo instructional flight. The mishap occurred during the third of three landings. The student reported that she lost control of the airplane during this landing.

Pilot Report

The student indicated that her landing approach had been "stabilized" but the airspeed was "excessive." Upon touchdown, the airplane bounced. The student subsequently lost control.

Instructor Observations

The student's flight instructor, who observed the mishap, reported that a "severe porpoise action" commenced during the landing.

Aircraft Damage

The firewall was substantially damaged.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Mar 1992 Cessna 172P accident near Santa Monica, CA?

A student pilot lost control during her second supervised solo flight after a bounced landing led to a severe porpoise action, causing substantial damage to the firewall.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Mar 1992 Cessna 172P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Mar 1992 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N98662, operated by American Flyers, Inc., at Santa Monica, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S MISJUDGED LANDING FLARE AND HER IMPROPER BOUNCED LANDING RECOVERY TECHNIQUE. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE THE AIRPLANE'S EXCESSIVE APPROACH AIRSPEED AND THE STUDENT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14317. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.