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Student Pilot Experiences Multiple Bounces During Solo Return Landing (N9525V)

Richmond, VA, US

On January 27, 2002, a Cessna 172R (registration N9525V) was involved in an aviation accident near Richmond, VA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing. A factor in the accident was the pilot improper flare. 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

A student pilot on her first solo cross-country experienced a hard landing with multiple bounces, resulting in damage to the propeller, nose wheel assembly, and engine firewall.

Overview

A student pilot was returning from her first solo cross-country flight. After entering the traffic pattern and turning final, she reduced the airplane's speed to approximately 65 to 70 knots and selected 30 degrees of flaps. While focusing on her descent angle, airspeed, and alignment with the runway centerline, she did not perform a proper flare.

Landing Sequence

The airplane touched down hard, bounced back into the air, and then contacted the runway three additional times. The student reported that she did not recall pushing the yoke forward during any of the bounces, but she believed the airplane may have touched down nose wheel first on one or more occasions.

Damage

The landing resulted in damage to the propeller, the nose wheel assembly, and the engine firewall.

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Jan 2002 Cessna 172R accident near Richmond, VA?

A student pilot on her first solo cross-country experienced a hard landing with multiple bounces, resulting in damage to the propeller, nose wheel assembly, and engine firewall.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Jan 2002 Cessna 172R accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Jan 2002 involved a Cessna 172R, registration N9525V, at Richmond, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing. A factor in the accident was the pilot improper flare.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020214X00218. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.