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Hard Landing After Improper Trim Tab Positioning During Solo Flight (N2781E)

Van Nuys, CA, US

On July 26, 1992, a Cessna 172 (registration N2781E) operated by San Val Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Van Nuys, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE STUDENT PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF THE CHECKLIST TO ASSURE THAT THE TRIM TAB WAS IN THE PROPER POSITION AND FAILURE TO FOLLOW NORMAL PROCEDURES AND DIRECTIVES. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 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 noncertificated student pilot on a solo flight experienced a hard landing after failing to properly use the checklist and not resetting the trim tab, causing damage to the firewall and nose gear.

Accident Details

A noncertificated student pilot was departing on a local solo flight. Prior to departure, the student pilot improperly used the checklist and failed to determine the trim tab position. During liftoff, the trim tab was in the full nose-down position, preventing the pilot from using proper elevator control.

Sequence of Events

After reaching approximately 20 feet above the ground, the student pilot attempted to reset the trim but did not succeed. The pilot elected to abort the takeoff. During the landing, the student pilot was unable to flare the airplane, resulting in a hard landing on the remaining runway.

Damage and Outcome

The hard landing caused damage to the firewall and nose gear of the aircraft. The investigation determined that the student pilot's improper use of the checklist and failure to verify the trim tab position led to the incident.

Related events

Same aircraft family

Same operator

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Jul 1992 Cessna 172 accident near Van Nuys, CA?

A noncertificated student pilot on a solo flight experienced a hard landing after failing to properly use the checklist and not resetting the trim tab, causing damage to the firewall and nose gear.

Were there any fatalities in the 26 Jul 1992 Cessna 172 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Jul 1992 involved a Cessna 172, registration N2781E, operated by San Val Flying Service, at Van Nuys, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE STUDENT PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF THE CHECKLIST TO ASSURE THAT THE TRIM TAB WAS IN THE PROPER POSITION AND FAILURE TO FOLLOW NORMAL PROCEDURES AND DIRECTIVES. CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE, MISREADING OF THE TRIM SETTING, AND EXESSIVE NOSE DOWN ELEVATOR TRIM TAB.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15221. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.