Casualties unknown

Student Pilot's Solo Landing Results in Ballooning, Nose Gear Strike, and Aircraft Inversion (N80854)

Mount Sterling, KY, US

On December 9, 2000, a Cessna 172M (registration N80854) operated by Kentucky Airmotive was involved in an aviation accident near Mount Sterling, KY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's inadequate recovery from a bounced landing. 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 solo landing practice on Runway 03, a student pilot ballooned during flare and failed to correct. The nose gear struck the runway, leading to porpoising and a left-side excursion. The aircraft came to rest inverted. Winds were 090° at 6 knots.

Flight Details

The student pilot was practicing solo takeoffs and landings on Runway 03. At the time of the accident, winds were reported from 090 degrees at 6 knots.

Sequence of Events

During one landing, the airplane ballooned in the flare. The student pilot did not apply corrective action. As a result, the nose gear struck the runway. The airplane then began to porpoise and departed the left side of the runway. The nose gear dug into the grass, and the airplane came to rest inverted.

Damage

The accident resulted in the nose gear digging into the grass and the airplane coming to rest inverted. No further details on damage are available from the source.

Conclusion

The source does not provide information on the aircraft type, registration, date, location, operator, or whether any injuries occurred. Only the sequence described above is known from the official report.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Dec 2000 Cessna 172M accident near Mount Sterling, KY?

During solo landing practice on Runway 03, a student pilot ballooned during flare and failed to correct. The nose gear struck the runway, leading to porpoising and a left-side excursion. The aircraft came to rest inverted. Winds were 090° at 6 knots.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Dec 2000 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N80854, operated by Kentucky Airmotive, at Mount Sterling, KY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's inadequate recovery from a bounced landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001215X45430. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.