No fatalities

19 Mar 2009: CESSNA 152 — MIDSTATE AVIATION INC — Ellensburg, WA

Ellensburg, WA, United States

On 19 Mar 2009, a CESSNA 152 operated by MIDSTATE AVIATION INC was involved in an aviation accident near Ellensburg, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's improper flare and 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 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During a student pilot's first solo flight, the nose gear collapsed after a bounced landing and porpoise, causing substantial damage to the firewall.

Incident Overview

A student pilot conducted a first solo flight in the traffic pattern. The initial touch-and-go landing was uneventful. On the second landing approach, the airplane floated during the flare. The student pilot pushed the control yoke forward, causing the nose gear to strike the ground. The airplane then bounced and entered a porpoise motion, during which the nose gear collapsed.

Damage

The accident resulted in substantial damage to the firewall of the airplane. No other damage details were provided.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures during the landing sequence.

Contributing factors

Student pilotIncorrect use/operation