No fatalities

1 Sep 2014: CESSNA 152 — NORTH COAST AIR INC — Santa Rosa, CA

Santa Rosa, CA, United States

On 1 Sep 2014, a CESSNA 152 operated by NORTH COAST AIR INC was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Rosa, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's inadequate flare resulted in a hard landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 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 airplane bounced twice on landing; on the third touchdown the nose gear collapsed, causing substantial damage to the firewall. The pilot was uninjured.

Incident Overview

A student pilot, having completed three takeoffs and landings under the supervision of a certified flight instructor (CFI), departed for a first solo flight in the traffic pattern. During the initial landing attempt, the airplane experienced two bounces before touching down a third time. On this final touchdown, the nose landing gear collapsed, and the airplane slid to a stop.

Injuries and Damage

The student pilot was not injured in the event. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall, but no other injuries or damage were reported.

Mechanical Assessment

No preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures were identified with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The investigation did not indicate any mechanical issues contributing to the incident.

Contributing factors

Incorrect use/operationStudent/instructed pilot