No fatalities

Student Pilot Bounces During Landing and Skids Off Runway at Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach, FL, United States

On April 20, 2008, a Cessna 172S operated by Air America Flight Center LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Daytona Beach, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 13 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot bounced repeatedly during landing on runway 25L, then skidded off the runway onto grass, hitting runway lights and a ditch. The tower had offered an alternative runway.

Incident Overview

While inbound to land, a student pilot was advised by Daytona Beach Air Traffic Control tower that the wind was from 050 degrees at 7 knots. The flight was cleared to land on runway 25L. During final approach to runway 25L, the controller advised the pilot that runway 7R was available. The pilot elected to continue the approach to runway 25L.

Landing and Excursion

The pilot stated that while landing, the airplane bounced "repeatedly." While attempting to turn onto a taxiway, the airplane was too fast and skidded off the runway. The airplane continued onto grass, where it collided with runway lights and then a ditch.

Outcome

The incident concluded with the airplane coming to rest after striking the ditch. No further information regarding injuries or damage was provided in the source.

Contributing factors

Causes

Landing flare — Not attained/maintainedStudent pilot

Other contributing factors

Runway/taxi/approach light

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Apr 2008 Cessna 172S accident near Daytona Beach, FL?

A student pilot bounced repeatedly during landing on runway 25L, then skidded off the runway onto grass, hitting runway lights and a ditch. The tower had offered an alternative runway.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Apr 2008 Cessna 172S accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Apr 2008 involved a Cessna 172S, operated by Air America Flight Center LLC, at Daytona Beach, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing.