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Hard Landing Results in Nose Gear Collapse and Firewall Buckling (N5144L)

Durham, NC, US

On November 5, 2005, a Cessna 152 (registration N5144L) was involved in an aviation accident near Durham, NC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper flare on landing flare touchdown resulting in a hard landing and collapse of the nose gear. 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

A pilot landing at a departure airport experienced a hard landing after a high flare, causing the nose gear to collapse and the firewall to buckle. No mechanical issues were reported.

Accident Overview

A pilot flying a visual flight rules (VFR) local area flight returned to the departure airport and entered the traffic pattern for landing. During the landing flare, the pilot noted that the touchdown was high, resulting in a hard landing that caused the nose landing gear to collapse. The airplane subsequently came to a stop on the runway.

Damage Assessment

Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed that the firewall was buckled. The pilot reported no mechanical problems prior to the accident.

Reporting Details

The accident was reported to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on November 22, 2005, which was later than the standard reporting timeframe.

Related events

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Nov 2005 Cessna 152 accident near Durham, NC?

A pilot landing at a departure airport experienced a hard landing after a high flare, causing the nose gear to collapse and the firewall to buckle. No mechanical issues were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Nov 2005 Cessna 152 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Nov 2005 involved a Cessna 152, registration N5144L, at Durham, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper flare on landing flare touchdown resulting in a hard landing and collapse of the nose gear.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20051130X01902. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.