On May 8, 2002, a Cessna 152M (registration N63123) was involved in an aviation accident near Forest, VA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's improper flare and failure to recover from a bounced landing, which resulted in a nose over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During her second solo flight, a student pilot made four uneventful landings before flaring high on the fifth, resulting in a hard landing that led to porpoising, a runway excursion, and the airplane nosing over.
Incident Overview
A student pilot conducting her second solo flight in the airplane experienced a hard landing that escalated into a porpoise and runway excursion, ending with the airplane nosing over.
Flight Details
The student pilot had completed four uneventful full-stop landings prior to the incident. On the fifth landing attempt, she flared high, resulting in a hard touchdown. The airplane then began to porpoise—a pitching oscillation—before departing the left side of the runway. The aircraft nosed over and came to rest.
Pilot Actions and Conditions
The student pilot reported that she did not add power or attempt a go-around during the landing attempt. She did not report any mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. Her total flight experience was 32 hours, all in the same make and model of aircraft.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 8 May 2002 Cessna 152M accident near Forest, VA?
During her second solo flight, a student pilot made four uneventful landings before flaring high on the fifth, resulting in a hard landing that led to porpoising, a runway excursion, and the airplane nosing over.
Were there any fatalities in the 8 May 2002 Cessna 152M accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 8 May 2002 involved a Cessna 152M, registration N63123, at Forest, VA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's improper flare and failure to recover from a bounced landing, which resulted in a nose over.
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