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Student Pilot Porpoises During Touch-and-Go Landing, Firewall Buckled (N51081)

Teterboro, NJ, US

On July 24, 1995, a Cessna 172P (registration N51081) operated by Air Fleet Training Systems was involved in an aviation accident near Teterboro, NJ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the student pilot's improper flare which resulted in the airplane porpoising and the subsequent buckling of the firewall. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 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 practicing touch-and-go landings experienced a porpoise event on the second landing, resulting in a nose wheel touchdown and a buckled firewall. Postaccident examination found no preimpact anomalies.

Accident Overview

A student pilot was engaged in touch-and-go landing practice at an unspecified location. During the second landing, the airplane porpoised down the runway and touched down on the nose wheel. The student pilot reported, "...finally, I managed to keep the plane on [the] ground....I shut off everything and stepped out...."

Examination Findings

Postaccident examination revealed that the firewall was buckled. No preimpact anomalies were found with the engine or airframe. The winds at the time of the accident were reported as calm.

Aircraft and Conditions

Details such as aircraft type, registration, operator, and exact location were not provided in the source. The student pilot was the sole occupant mentioned; no other individuals or injuries were reported.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Jul 1995 Cessna 172P accident near Teterboro, NJ?

A student pilot practicing touch-and-go landings experienced a porpoise event on the second landing, resulting in a nose wheel touchdown and a buckled firewall. Postaccident examination found no preimpact anomalies.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Jul 1995 Cessna 172P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Jul 1995 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N51081, operated by Air Fleet Training Systems, at Teterboro, NJ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the student pilot's improper flare which resulted in the airplane porpoising and the subsequent buckling of the firewall.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04072. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.