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Nose Landing Gear Collapses During Student Pilot's First Solo Cross-Country Landing (N124ER)

Clewiston, FL, US

On February 19, 2004, a Cessna 172P (registration N124ER) was involved in an aviation accident near Clewiston, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot pushed the control wheel forward during the landing flare, causing the nose wheel to contact the runway hard and the nose wheel landing gear to collapse. 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

During a student pilot's first solo cross-country flight, the nose wheel landing gear collapsed after the pilot pushed the control wheel forward during the landing flare. The airplane slid off the runway, encountered a ditch, and nosed over. No preaccident mechanical problems were reported.

Incident Summary

During a student pilot's first solo cross-country flight, an accident occurred upon landing at the destination airport. The pilot reported that during the landing flare, he believed the airplane was too high. To correct this, he pushed the control wheel forward. This action resulted in the nose wheel contacting the runway with significant force, causing the nose wheel landing gear to collapse. Subsequently, the airplane slid off the runway, entered a ditch, and nosed over.

Pilot's Account

The student pilot indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. He stated that his decision to push the control wheel forward was based on his perception that the aircraft was too high during the flare.

Damage

The nose wheel landing gear collapsed as a result of the hard touchdown. The aircraft then slid off the runway, and after encountering a ditch, it nosed over. The extent of additional damage is not specified, but the event involved a complete overturn.

Probable cause

The student pilot pushed the control wheel forward during the landing flare, causing the nose wheel to contact the runway hard and the nose wheel landing gear to collapse.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Feb 2004 Cessna 172P accident near Clewiston, FL?

During a student pilot's first solo cross-country flight, the nose wheel landing gear collapsed after the pilot pushed the control wheel forward during the landing flare. The airplane slid off the runway, encountered a ditch, and nosed over. No preaccident mechanical problems were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 Feb 2004 Cessna 172P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Feb 2004 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N124ER, at Clewiston, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot pushed the control wheel forward during the landing flare, causing the nose wheel to contact the runway hard and the nose wheel landing gear to collapse.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040318X00332. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.