No fatalities

Student Pilot Endures Hard Landing During Solo Flight

New Braunfels, TX, United States

On August 4, 2009, a CESSNA 172S operated by Wright Flyers Aviation, Inc was involved in an aviation accident near New Braunfels, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's improper flare resulting in a bounced landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot on a solo flight experienced a hard landing and multiple bounces before executing a go-around and a subsequent normal landing, resulting in minor damage to the airplane.

Incident Overview

A student pilot conducting a solo flight performed two normal takeoffs and landings without incident. However, during the third landing, the airplane struck the runway with excessive force, causing it to bounce. After the second bounce, the student pilot decided to abort the landing and initiated a go-around.

Aftermath

The student pilot continued around the traffic pattern and completed what was described as a "normal" landing on the subsequent approach. Following the event, an inspection of the aircraft revealed several instances of damage: the propeller tips were slightly damaged, the nosewheel tire was flat, and the firewall area had sustained structural damage.

Conclusion

The source does not provide a probable cause for the accident.

Contributing factors

Landing flare — Not attained/maintainedStudent pilot

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Aug 2009 CESSNA 172S accident near New Braunfels, TX?

A student pilot on a solo flight experienced a hard landing and multiple bounces before executing a go-around and a subsequent normal landing, resulting in minor damage to the airplane.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Aug 2009 CESSNA 172S accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Aug 2009 involved a CESSNA 172S, operated by Wright Flyers Aviation, Inc, at New Braunfels, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's improper flare resulting in a bounced landing.