On November 21, 2003, a Cessna 172S (registration N378FA) operated by Air Orlando Flight School was involved in an aviation accident near Orlando, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilots improper landing flare and his improper recovery from a bounced landing resulting 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; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During landing on runway 7 with flaps at 30 degrees, a student pilot flared and experienced a sudden jolt to the left, causing the airplane to hit the runway nose first and bounce, leading to damage.
Landing Incident
A student pilot was conducting an approach to runway 7 with the flaps set to 30 degrees. During the flare, the pilot reported feeling a gust or a quick jolt to the left. The airplane then slammed into the runway nose first and bounced. After the bounce, the aircraft touched down at approximately a 45-degree angle to the runway alignment and subsequently drifted to the left.
Post-Event Actions
Following the touchdown, ground control instructed the pilot to taxi the airplane to the ramp. The aircraft was found to have sustained damage to the nose wheel, propeller, and firewall.
What happened in the 21 Nov 2003 Cessna 172S accident near Orlando, FL?
During landing on runway 7 with flaps at 30 degrees, a student pilot flared and experienced a sudden jolt to the left, causing the airplane to hit the runway nose first and bounce, leading to damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 21 Nov 2003 Cessna 172S accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Nov 2003 involved a Cessna 172S, registration N378FA, operated by Air Orlando Flight School, at Orlando, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilots improper landing flare and his improper recovery from a bounced landing resulting in a hard landing and damage to the airplane.
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