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Student Pilot Bounces During Landing, Strikes Runway Lights with Elevator (N975BC)

Battle Creek, MI, US

On April 18, 2000, a Cessna 172R (registration N975BC) was involved in an aviation accident near Battle Creek, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing. Factors associated with the accident were the misjudged landing flare, the student's lack of total experience, the runway lights, and the runway signs. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 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

During a landing attempt, a student pilot flared 20-30 feet high, causing a bounce. The airplane veered left in a nose-high attitude. Adding power to abort, the elevator struck runway lights and signs before the pilot recovered.

Accident Description

A student pilot reported that during a landing attempt, he flared the airplane 20 to 30 feet above the runway, resulting in a bounce. The airplane then veered off the left side of the runway in a nose-high attitude. In response, the student added power to abort the landing. During this maneuver, the elevator struck runway lights and runway signs.

The student stated that he was able to bring the airplane back to the runway centerline and subsequently aborted the go-around. He reported that the winds were calm at the time of the accident.

Sequence of Events

  • The student pilot flared the airplane at an altitude of 20 to 30 feet above the runway.
  • The airplane bounced upon touchdown.
  • The airplane veered left off the runway while maintaining a nose-high attitude.
  • The pilot initiated a go-around by adding power.
  • During the go-around, the elevator contacted runway lights and signs.
  • The pilot maneuvered the airplane back to the runway centerline and discontinued the go-around.

Flight Conditions

The student pilot reported that the winds were calm at the time of the accident.

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Apr 2000 Cessna 172R accident near Battle Creek, MI?

During a landing attempt, a student pilot flared 20-30 feet high, causing a bounce. The airplane veered left in a nose-high attitude. Adding power to abort, the elevator struck runway lights and signs before the pilot recovered.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Apr 2000 Cessna 172R accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Apr 2000 involved a Cessna 172R, registration N975BC, at Battle Creek, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing. Factors associated with the accident were the misjudged landing flare, the student's lack of total experience, the runway lights, and the runway signs.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20781. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.