Casualties unknown

2001-11-13: Cessna 172M (N1897V) — Sunbird Flight Services — Chandler, AZ

Chandler, AZ, US

On November 13, 2001, a Cessna 172M (registration N1897V) operated by Sunbird Flight Services was involved in an aviation accident near Chandler, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the student pilot to maintain directional control during landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 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

During his first supervised solo flight, a student pilot veered off the runway after a hard landing, striking a taxiway sign and shearing off the main landing gear.

Accident Overview

A student pilot on his first supervised solo flight experienced a runway excursion during his second landing. The airplane veered off the runway, struck a taxiway sign, and sheared off the main landing gear.

Approach and Landing

The student maintained an approach speed between 70 and 75 knots until crossing the runway threshold. He configured the airplane with flaps at 40 degrees and the throttle set approximately half an inch open. He then reduced the throttle by half to land. The airplane touched down hard on the main landing gear, resulting in a bounce of about 2 feet. The student fully reduced the power, and the airplane settled back onto the runway.

Loss of Directional Control

After the bounce and touchdown, the airplane began to veer to the right. The student applied left rudder but did not feel a corrective response. Anticipating that the airplane would depart the runway, he removed his right foot from the rudder pedal and forcefully stomped on the left pedal. However, this action did not prevent the airplane from leaving the runway surface.

Outcome

The airplane exited the runway, striking a taxiway sign and suffering a sheared-off main landing gear. The student had successfully completed one landing prior to the accident and had taxied back for the second attempt.

Notes

The accident occurred during the pilot's first supervised solo flight. No further information regarding the aircraft type, registration, location, or injuries is provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20011120X02273. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.