No fatalities

Student Pilot Lands Hard, Bounces, Propeller Strikes Runway

Columbus, GA, United States

On April 8, 2013, a CESSNA 152 operated by Falcon Aviation Academy LLC. was involved in an aviation accident near Columbus, GA. 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; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot performed multiple full stop landings. On the final landing, the airplane bounced hard, the propeller struck the runway, and the nose wheel buckled, causing substantial damage to the firewall and engine mounts.

Incident Overview

A student pilot conducting landing practice experienced a hard landing and subsequent bounce sequence. According to the pilot's report, the final landing of the session began normally, but during the flare the airplane contacted the runway firmly, inducing a bounce. The airplane then bounced several more times as the pilot attempted to regain control.

Sequence of Events

During the last landing, as the student pilot initiated the flare, the airplane landed hard and bounced multiple times on the runway. While striving to recover, the propeller made contact with the runway surface, and the nose wheel collapsed. The aircraft eventually came to a complete stop.

Aircraft Damage

An examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the firewall and engine mounts. No other damage locations were reported. The student pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have prevented normal operation.

Pilot Report

The student pilot, who had been performing multiple full stop landings earlier in the flight, attributed the incident to the hard landing and bounce sequence. No pre-existing mechanical issues were noted.

Contributing factors

Incorrect use/operationLanding flare — Not attained/maintainedStudent pilot

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Apr 2013 CESSNA 152 accident near Columbus, GA?

A student pilot performed multiple full stop landings. On the final landing, the airplane bounced hard, the propeller struck the runway, and the nose wheel buckled, causing substantial damage to the firewall and engine mounts.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Apr 2013 CESSNA 152 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Apr 2013 involved a CESSNA 152, operated by Falcon Aviation Academy LLC., at Columbus, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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