On July 12, 2003, a Cessna 172S (registration N5327G) operated by Angel Air was involved in an aviation accident near Chandler, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudged landing flare, improper recovery from a bounced landing and failure to maintain directional control, resulting in a runway sign collision. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During his first supervised solo flight, a student pilot made a hard landing followed by several porpoise-like bounces, lost control, and collided with a runway sign.
Incident Overview
A student pilot, on his first supervised solo flight, experienced a hard landing that was followed by five or six porpoise-like bounces on the runway. Subsequently, he lost control of the airplane, and it collided with a runway sign.
Flight Instructor's Account
The student pilot's flight instructor reported that her student had performed what appeared to have been a normal approach to the runway, using 30 degrees of wing flaps. However, the student appeared to flare out higher than normal over the runway. Just before the hard landing, he increased engine power in an attempt to recover.
What happened in the 12 Jul 2003 Cessna 172S accident near Chandler, AZ?
During his first supervised solo flight, a student pilot made a hard landing followed by several porpoise-like bounces, lost control, and collided with a runway sign.
Were there any fatalities in the 12 Jul 2003 Cessna 172S accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 12 Jul 2003 involved a Cessna 172S, registration N5327G, operated by Angel Air, at Chandler, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's misjudged landing flare, improper recovery from a bounced landing and failure to maintain directional control, resulting in a runway sign collision.
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