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Cessna 152 Nose Gear Collapses During Third Landing Attempt (N68727)

Lancaster, PA, US

On October 27, 2006, a Cessna 152 (registration N68727) operated by Aero Tech Services was involved in an aviation accident near Lancaster, PA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's improper flare during the third landing attempt, which resulted in a nose-low touchdown and subsequent 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 2026-06-21Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot's first solo flight ended with a nose gear collapse after a hard landing on runway 13 at an airport with a 4,102-foot asphalt runway.

What happened

The incident involved a Cessna 152 operated by a student pilot conducting his inaugural solo flight. The aircraft had previously executed two successful landings on Runway 13, which measures 4,102 feet in length and 100 feet in width with an asphalt surface. During the third landing attempt, the pilot failed to flare sufficiently before touchdown. This resulted in the airplane contacting the runway nose-low. The impact caused the nose gear to collapse, bringing the aircraft to a stop on the runway surface.

The investigation

The examination focused on the mechanical failure of the landing gear following the hard landing. Evidence indicated that the nosegear collapsed due to the excessive vertical load generated by the nose-low touchdown. No other mechanical anomalies were identified prior to the event.

Probable cause

The student pilot's improper flare during the third landing attempt, which resulted in a nose-low touchdown and subsequent collapse of the nose gear.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 152 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Oct 2006 Cessna 152 accident near Lancaster, PA?

A student pilot's first solo flight ended with a nose gear collapse after a hard landing on runway 13 at an airport with a 4,102-foot asphalt runway.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Oct 2006 Cessna 152 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Oct 2006 involved a Cessna 152, registration N68727, operated by Aero Tech Services, at Lancaster, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's improper flare during the third landing attempt, which resulted in a nose-low touchdown and subsequent 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/20061204X01724. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.