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Student Pilot Reports Loss of Control During Landing on Second Solo Flight (N4987R)

Plattsmouth, NE, US

On May 10, 2005, a Cessna 172H (registration N4987R) operated by Lemay Flight Trainng Center was involved in an aviation accident near Plattsmouth, NE. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions which resulted in a loss of aircraft control. A factor associated with the accident was the gusting crosswind. 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 on his second solo flight reported a loss of control during landing, causing the propeller and right wing to contact the runway. The airplane subsequently settled back on its gear, and the pilot taxied off.

Incident Details

A student pilot reported that during his second solo flight, the airplane contacted the runway following a loss of control while landing. After takeoff, the pilot practiced maneuvers before flying to a nearby airport to practice takeoffs and landings. He flew over the runway to check the wind sock, observing winds from 150 degrees at 5 knots, and elected to land on runway 16. The first landing was uneventful.

During the second landing, after the main gear touched down, the left main gear rose up off the runway. This resulted in the propeller and the right wing contacting the runway. The airplane then settled back onto its gear, and the pilot taxied the airplane off the runway.

Weather and Pilot Information

The closest weather reporting station, located 12 nautical miles north of the accident airport, reported winds from 120 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots. The student pilot reported a total of 29 hours of flight time.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 May 2005 Cessna 172H accident near Plattsmouth, NE?

A student pilot on his second solo flight reported a loss of control during landing, causing the propeller and right wing to contact the runway. The airplane subsequently settled back on its gear, and the pilot taxied off.

Were there any fatalities in the 10 May 2005 Cessna 172H accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 May 2005 involved a Cessna 172H, registration N4987R, operated by Lemay Flight Trainng Center, at Plattsmouth, NE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions which resulted in a loss of aircraft control. A factor associated with the accident was the gusting crosswind.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050527X00688. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.