Casualties unknown

1999-08-17: Cessna 152 (N5416M) — Ocala, FL

Ocala, FL, US

On August 17, 1999, a Cessna 152 (registration N5416M) was involved in an aviation accident near Ocala, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper decision to pull up too early during the landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and subsequent porpoising that caused the nose gear to separate. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot flying solo pulled up too early during landing, causing a hard bounce and porpoising that separated the nose gear.

What happened

During a solo flight operation, the student pilot initiated the final approach for landing. As the aircraft neared the runway threshold, the pilot raised the nose to achieve the landing attitude slightly earlier than optimal relative to the altitude above the ground. The pilot maintained this elevated pitch attitude while descending.

The premature flare resulted in a hard touchdown that caused the aircraft to bounce off the pavement. Following the initial impact, the airplane entered a series of oscillatory porpoising maneuvers. These repetitive vertical motions placed excessive stress on the landing gear assembly. Eventually, the nose gear separated from the airframe due to the repeated impacts.

With the nose gear detached, the airplane slid along the runway surface, coming to a stop while resting on its main landing gear and the underside of the nose cowl. The sequence of events highlights the critical importance of proper flare timing and altitude awareness during the final phase of flight.

Probable cause

The pilot's improper decision to pull up too early during the landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and subsequent porpoising that caused the nose gear to separate.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19593. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.