No fatalities

Student Pilot Loses Control Following Bounced Landing (N99548)

Grays Lake, IL, US

On June 21, 1998, a Cessna 172P (registration N99548) was involved in an aviation accident near Grays Lake, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper flare during landing, which resulted in a bounced landing and subsequent loss of directional control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-21Data APIEditorial standards

A solo student pilot experienced a bounced landing due to a high flare, resulting in loss of directional control and a nose-over on soft terrain with no pre-accident mechanical issues found.

What happened

The incident involved a solo student pilot operating an aircraft during the landing phase. According to the pilot's account, the initial attempt to flare for touchdown was executed at an excessive height. The pilot did not successfully recover from this high approach before the aircraft impacted the runway surface.

This impact resulted in a bounced landing. Following the bounce, the pilot lost directional control of the airplane. The aircraft then departed the paved surface and encountered soft terrain, which caused the nose gear to collapse and the airplane to nosed over.

The investigation

A post-accident examination of the airplane was conducted to determine if mechanical failure contributed to the event. The inspection revealed no pre-accident anomalies or mechanical defects that would have affected the operation of the aircraft.

Probable cause

The pilot's improper flare during landing, which resulted in a bounced landing and subsequent loss of directional control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Jun 1998 Cessna 172P accident near Grays Lake, IL?

A solo student pilot experienced a bounced landing due to a high flare, resulting in loss of directional control and a nose-over on soft terrain with no pre-accident mechanical issues found.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Jun 1998 Cessna 172P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Jun 1998 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N99548, at Grays Lake, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper flare during landing, which resulted in a bounced landing and subsequent loss of directional control.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10261. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.