On July 7, 1995, a Cessna 152 (registration N95633) was involved in an aviation accident near Boca Raton, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper execution of the landing flare and subsequent go-around, which led to a bounce, loss of directional control, and runway excursion. 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.
During a student pilot's first solo landing, an excessive flare caused a hard touchdown and bounce. The subsequent go-around resulted in loss of control, runway excursion, and collision with a fence.
What happened
The incident occurred during the initial landing phase of a student pilot's first solo flight. Upon final approach, the pilot flared too high above the runway surface. This excessive altitude at touchdown caused the aircraft to impact the pavement hard and bounce back into the air.
Recognizing the unstable situation, the pilot initiated a go-around procedure. However, during this maneuver, the aircraft veered significantly to the left side of the runway. The loss of directional control resulted in the aircraft running off the paved surface. It continued across a ditch before colliding with a fence.
Probable cause
The pilot's improper execution of the landing flare and subsequent go-around, which led to a bounce, loss of directional control, and runway excursion.