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Student Pilot Lands Nose Gear First After Gust Lifts Tail on Final Approach (N6492E)

Statesboro, GA, US

On November 17, 2007, a Cessna 172N (registration N6492E) operated by Pegasus Air was involved in an aviation accident near Statesboro, GA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain a proper flare at touchdown. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 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 27-hour student pilot on a solo cross-country flight experienced a gust of wind during flare, leading to a nose gear first landing. The Cessna 172N sustained damage to the propeller, nose landing gear, and firewall. No further incidents occurred.

Accident Overview

A student pilot with 27 hours of flight time was conducting a solo cross-country flight in a Cessna 172N. After successfully completing the first leg, the pilot returned to the airport of origin for landing on runway 23.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that on final approach, the aircraft was correctly lined up and at an appropriate speed, and that everything "felt good." During the flare, a gust of wind "caught the back of the plane," lifting the tail. The pilot believed that the nose gear contacted the runway first. After the landing, the pilot completed the rollout and taxied to the terminal without any further incidents. No preimpact failures or malfunctions were experienced.

Aircraft Damage

A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed damage to the propeller, nose landing gear, and firewall. The aircraft was not significantly damaged beyond these components.

Weather Conditions

The automated weather observation at the airport around the time of the accident recorded winds from 220 degrees at 4 knots.

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Nov 2007 Cessna 172N accident near Statesboro, GA?

A 27-hour student pilot on a solo cross-country flight experienced a gust of wind during flare, leading to a nose gear first landing. The Cessna 172N sustained damage to the propeller, nose landing gear, and firewall. No further incidents occurred.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Nov 2007 Cessna 172N accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Nov 2007 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N6492E, operated by Pegasus Air, at Statesboro, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's failure to maintain a proper flare at touchdown.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20080411X00459. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.