On February 25, 2014, a CESSNA 172M M was involved in an aviation accident near Ramona, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's inadequate flare and failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a touch-and-go landing practice, a solo student pilot experienced multiple ballooning events, veered right, applied left brake, and exited the runway left, striking a berm and rock, causing substantial right wing damage.
Accident Description
A solo student pilot conducted a flight with the intention of remaining in the airport traffic pattern to practice touch-and-go takeoffs and landings. On the second circuit, during the landing flare, the airplane ballooned. The pilot continued the landing attempt, and the airplane ballooned a second time, subsequently starting to veer to the right.
Pilot Actions
After a third balloon as the airplane veered to the right and touched down, the pilot applied left brake and left rudder. The airplane then exited the runway to the left, where it struck a berm and a rock.
Aircraft Damage
The impact with the berm and rock resulted in substantial damage to the right wing of the airplane. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 25 Feb 2014 CESSNA 172M M accident near Ramona, CA?
During a touch-and-go landing practice, a solo student pilot experienced multiple ballooning events, veered right, applied left brake, and exited the runway left, striking a berm and rock, causing substantial right wing damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 25 Feb 2014 CESSNA 172M M accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 Feb 2014 involved a CESSNA 172M M, at Ramona, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's inadequate flare and failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with terrain.