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Student Pilot's Bounced Touch-and-Go Leads to Nose Gear Collapse (N65770)

Pelion, SC, US

On February 21, 1999, a Cessna 172P (registration N65770) was involved in an aviation accident near Pelion, SC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of directional control during landing roll as a result of improper recovery from a bounced landing and the subsequent excursion from the runway, collision with the adjacent terrain, and collapse of the nose landing gear. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a student pilot's second solo touch-and-go landing, a bounce and nose wheel shimmy resulted in a loss of directional control and subsequent collision with a taxiway, collapsing the nose landing gear.

Event Summary

A student pilot, on their second solo touch-and-go landing, experienced a bounced landing accompanied by a violent nose wheel shimmy. Following the bounce, the pilot applied slight back pressure in an attempt to unload the nose wheel, but lost directional control, veering off the left side of the runway.

Sequence of Events

The airplane subsequently collided with an intersecting taxiway, causing the nose landing gear to collapse. The incident occurred during a training flight, though specific details regarding the aircraft type, registration, location, and date have not been disclosed.

Examination Findings

A subsequent examination conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revealed no discrepancies in the landing gear, braking, or steering systems. The cause of the bounce and shimmy remains undetermined based solely on the information provided.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Feb 1999 Cessna 172P accident near Pelion, SC?

During a student pilot's second solo touch-and-go landing, a bounce and nose wheel shimmy resulted in a loss of directional control and subsequent collision with a taxiway, collapsing the nose landing gear.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Feb 1999 Cessna 172P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Feb 1999 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N65770, at Pelion, SC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's loss of directional control during landing roll as a result of improper recovery from a bounced landing and the subsequent excursion from the runway, collision with the adjacent terrain, and collapse of the nose landing gear.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001205X00216. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.