On July 29, 2001, a Cessna 152 (registration N944AC) was involved in an aviation accident near Naples, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing resulting in a hard landing on the nose landing gear, collapse of the nose landing, the airplane sliding off the runway, and the airplane being destroyed by a postcrash fire. 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.
A student pilot reported a bounced landing, propeller strike, and subsequent fire. The aircraft came to rest after a hot rush of air and nose-down event. The pilot evacuated safely.
Landing Incident
During a landing attempt, the student pilot reported that the airplane touched down on the main landing gear. The nose then came up slightly, and the airplane bounced. The pilot considered performing a go-around but decided against it as the airplane rolled slightly to the left and began descending again. He felt that a go-around was not possible.
Propeller Strike and Fire
After the bounce, the pilot felt a hot rush of air on his legs. The nose of the airplane tipped down, and the propeller contacted the runway. The pilot held the yoke and waited until the airplane came to a stop. He then transmitted to the control tower controller that he was alright. Subsequently, he saw smoke and felt flames shoot out toward his right leg. He evacuated the airplane, and when he turned around, he observed that the airplane was on fire.