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Hard Landing Results in Nose Wheel Failure During Student's First Solo (N9017H)

Tucson, AZ, US

On May 18, 2005, a Cessna 172M (registration N9017H) operated by New Mexico Flying Eagle Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Tucson, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's improper flare that induced a porpoise, which resulted in the overload failure of the nose wheel assembly. 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 supervised solo flight, a hard landing caused the nose wheel to break, substantially damaging the firewall. The airplane porpoised twice during rollout. Examination revealed a broken wheel from excessive side load pressure.

Accident Summary

A student pilot on their first supervised solo flight experienced a hard landing, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane's firewall. The certified flight instructor reported that during the landing rollout, the airplane porpoised two times. The incident involved a 30-year-old aircraft with a total time of over 9,500 hours.

Examination Findings

Post-incident examination of the nose wheel assembly revealed that half of the wheel had broken due to excessive side load pressure. This pressure caused the assembly's snap ring to release, allowing wheel components to separate and impede the nose wheel's rotation. The hard landing and subsequent porpoising likely contributed to the excessive side loads that led to the fracture.

(The examination did not specify any other mechanical anomalies or pre-existing conditions.)

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 May 2005 Cessna 172M accident near Tucson, AZ?

During a student pilot's first supervised solo flight, a hard landing caused the nose wheel to break, substantially damaging the firewall. The airplane porpoised twice during rollout. Examination revealed a broken wheel from excessive side load pressure.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 May 2005 Cessna 172M accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 May 2005 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N9017H, operated by New Mexico Flying Eagle Inc, at Tucson, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's improper flare that induced a porpoise, which resulted in the overload failure of the nose wheel assembly.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050525X00669. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.