Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Strikes Trees and Power Pole After Aborted Landing (N5272H)

Pacoima, CA, US

On October 17, 2004, a Cessna 152 (registration N5272H) was involved in an aviation accident near Pacoima, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's misjudged distance/altitude and inadequate flare that resulted in a hard landing, and a porpoise down the runway. Also causal was the student pilot's improper bounced landing recovery technique. 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

During an attempted aborted landing after a hard touchdown, a student pilot raised all flaps at once, became airborne but failed to climb, striking trees and a power pole.

Incident Overview

The accident occurred when a student pilot attempted to abort a landing following a hard touchdown. The airplane had landed hard, bounced, and began porpoising down the runway. The pilot then advanced the throttle and raised all flaps simultaneously in an effort to abort the landing.

Flight Sequence

The student pilot reported that he had extended his downwind leg, resulting in a high approach. After the hard landing and porpoising, the pilot initiated a go-around. Once airborne, the airplane failed to climb above obstacles at the departure end of the runway. It subsequently struck trees, a power pole, and power lines before impacting the ground in a nose-down attitude.

Pilot Statement

The student pilot stated that no mechanical anomalies were noted with the airplane during the flight. The pilot's actions, including raising all flaps at once, were part of the attempted abort.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Oct 2004 Cessna 152 accident near Pacoima, CA?

During an attempted aborted landing after a hard touchdown, a student pilot raised all flaps at once, became airborne but failed to climb, striking trees and a power pole.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Oct 2004 involved a Cessna 152, registration N5272H, at Pacoima, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's misjudged distance/altitude and inadequate flare that resulted in a hard landing, and a porpoise down the runway. Also causal was the student pilot's improper bounced landing recovery technique.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20041201X01894. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.