On November 18, 1992, a Cessna 152 (registration N4840H) operated by Aero Tech Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Danville, KY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing flare due to a wind gust, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent nosewheel collapse. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot practicing full-stop landings on his first solo flight experienced a hard landing after a wind gust lifted the left wing just before flare, resulting in nosewheel collapse.
What happened
The pilot was conducting his first solo flight with the specific objective of practicing full-stop landings. According to the pilot's account, he had successfully completed two prior landings without incident. During the third approach, as the aircraft was about to flare for touchdown, a sudden gust of wind struck the airplane and lifted the left wing.
This aerodynamic disturbance caused the aircraft to touch down hard on the nosewheel. The impact force was sufficient to cause the nosewheel to collapse immediately upon contact with the runway surface.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing flare due to a wind gust, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent nosewheel collapse.
What happened in the 18 Nov 1992 Cessna 152 accident near Danville, KY?
A pilot practicing full-stop landings on his first solo flight experienced a hard landing after a wind gust lifted the left wing just before flare, resulting in nosewheel collapse.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Nov 1992 involved a Cessna 152, registration N4840H, operated by Aero Tech Inc., at Danville, KY.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing flare due to a wind gust, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent nosewheel collapse.
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