No fatalities

Student Pilot Experiences Multiple Bounces During Solo Landing

Mesa, AZ, United States

On June 28, 2014, a CESSNA 182K K was involved in an aviation accident near Mesa, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's inadequate landing flare which resulted in a loss of aircraft control and hard 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 with multiple bounces, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane's firewall. No preimpact mechanical issues were reported.

Incident Overview

A student pilot conducting a solo flight to practice maneuvers in preparation for a checkride encountered difficulties during the landing phase. After completing a series of maneuvers in the local practice area, the pilot returned to the airport and was cleared to land on the active runway.

Landing Sequence

During the landing flare, the pilot realized the airspeed was higher than desired and responded by manipulating the throttle control. The airplane touched down hard and bounced back into the air. The aircraft continued to bounce down the runway approximately three to four times before coming to a stop.

Damage Assessment

The hard impact resulted in substantial damage to the airplane's firewall. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Aircraft and Pilot Information

The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, operator, location, or the pilot's name. No injuries were reported.

Investigation

The details of this incident are based on the student pilot's statement. The investigation focused on the landing technique and airspeed management during the flare.

Contributing factors

Landing flare — Not attained/maintainedStudent/instructed pilot