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Nose Landing Gear Collapses After Bounced Touch-and-Go Landing (N5531M)

Las Vegas, NV, US

On March 7, 1996, a Cessna 152 (registration N5531M) operated by Aerleon Flight School was involved in an aviation accident near Las Vegas, NV. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the student pilot's improper flare and improper recover from a bounced landing, which resulted in a hard landing and collapse of the nose gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 9 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 experienced multiple bounces during a touch-and-go landing in calm wind, resulting in the collapse of the nose landing gear. The operator cited inadequate instruction and deviation from the training curriculum.

Accident Details

A student pilot was conducting touch-and-go landings in the traffic pattern after a practice area flight. Wind conditions were calm. During the landing flare, the airplane bounced. The student reported that after several successive bounces, the nose landing gear collapsed.

Circumstances

The accident occurred while the student pilot was performing routine training maneuvers. The operator later stated that the student's instructor had not followed the school's training curriculum and had provided inadequate instruction regarding recovery from difficulties during the landing phase of flight.

No other details about the aircraft, injuries, or damage extent were provided in the official source.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Mar 1996 Cessna 152 accident near Las Vegas, NV?

A student pilot experienced multiple bounces during a touch-and-go landing in calm wind, resulting in the collapse of the nose landing gear. The operator cited inadequate instruction and deviation from the training curriculum.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 Mar 1996 Cessna 152 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Mar 1996 involved a Cessna 152, registration N5531M, operated by Aerleon Flight School, at Las Vegas, NV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the student pilot's improper flare and improper recover from a bounced landing, which resulted in a hard landing and collapse of the nose gear. A factor relating to the accident was: the flight instructor's inadequate instruction concerning recovery from bounced landings.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05423. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.