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Student Pilot Aborts Takeoff, Collapses Nose Gear in Runway Excursion (N5628T)

Lemont Furnace, PA, US

On August 30, 2003, a Cessna 172E (registration N5628T) operated by Lisa F. Reinhold was involved in an aviation accident near Lemont Furnace, PA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper bounced landing recovery. A factor was the pilot's inadequate flare during the initial touchdown. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot aborted a takeoff due to perceived lack of acceleration, resulting in a hard landing, nose gear collapse, and engine compartment fire. No mechanical failure was found.

Accident Sequence

A student pilot completed two takeoffs and landings without incident. On the third takeoff, after becoming airborne, the pilot perceived that the airplane was not accelerating as expected. She lowered the nose, but still did not observe the expected acceleration. The airspeed was near 60 knots as the airplane neared midfield, at which point the pilot decided to abort the takeoff and retarded the throttle. The airplane then struck the runway hard and bounced into the air. The pilot pushed the control yoke forward, and the airplane contacted the runway in a nose-low attitude. The nose landing gear collapsed rearward, and a fire developed in the engine compartment as the airplane slid. After the airplane came to rest, the student pilot exited the airplane.

Post-Accident Findings

A witness reported hearing a "pop" after observing the airplane level off. An FAA inspector examined the airplane and did not find any evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Aug 2003 Cessna 172E accident near Lemont Furnace, PA?

A student pilot aborted a takeoff due to perceived lack of acceleration, resulting in a hard landing, nose gear collapse, and engine compartment fire. No mechanical failure was found.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Aug 2003 Cessna 172E accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Aug 2003 involved a Cessna 172E, registration N5628T, operated by Lisa F. Reinhold, at Lemont Furnace, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper bounced landing recovery. A factor was the pilot's inadequate flare during the initial touchdown.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20031007X01667. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.