No fatalities

Student Pilot Porpoises During First Unsupervised Solo Landing (N24887)

Ormond Beach, FL, US

On November 15, 2003, a Cessna 152 (registration N24887) was involved in an aviation accident near Ormond Beach, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a hard landing and damage to the airplane. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 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 unsupervised solo experienced a porpoise during landing flare, leading to nose gear collapse and propeller strike. No mechanical issues were reported.

Accident Overview

A student pilot was conducting her first unsupervised solo flight. During the landing flare and touchdown, the airplane porpoised, and the pilot was unable to regain control. The nose gear subsequently collapsed, and the propeller contacted the runway surface. The airplane sustained damage to the firewall.

Pilot Account

The student pilot reported that she was executing the landing flare when the porpoising began. Despite her attempts, she could not stabilize the aircraft. She noted that there had been no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane or any of its systems prior to the accident.

Aircraft Damage

As a result of the nose gear collapse and propeller strike, the airplane incurred structural damage to the firewall. No other damage details were provided.

Investigation Findings

The investigation relied solely on the student pilot's statement. No mechanical or system anomalies were identified that could have contributed to the porpoising event. The pilot's experience level and the fact that it was her first unsupervised solo were noted.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Nov 2003 Cessna 152 accident near Ormond Beach, FL?

A student pilot on her first unsupervised solo experienced a porpoise during landing flare, leading to nose gear collapse and propeller strike. No mechanical issues were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Nov 2003 Cessna 152 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Nov 2003 involved a Cessna 152, registration N24887, at Ormond Beach, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a hard landing and damage to the airplane.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20031216X02043. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.