On November 15, 2014, a CESSNA AIRCRAFT CO E162 UNDESIGNAT operated by North Coast Air was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Rosa, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's improper flare which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent nose gear collapse. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During an initial solo flight, a student pilot conducted three takeoff and landings. On the second landing, the airplane touched down hard, bounced, and landed on the nose wheel, collapsing the nose gear.
Accident Details
During an initial solo flight, a student pilot was conducting a series of three takeoff and landings. On the second landing, the airplane landed hard, bounced, and subsequently landed on the nose wheel landing gear. This resulted in the nose gear collapsing.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the nose wheel landing gear was compressed upward and aft into the firewall and fuselage structure.
Pilot Report
The student pilot reported that at the time of the accident, no preexisting mechanical malfunctions or failures existed that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 15 Nov 2014 CESSNA AIRCRAFT CO E162 UNDESIGNAT accident near Santa Rosa, CA?
During an initial solo flight, a student pilot conducted three takeoff and landings. On the second landing, the airplane touched down hard, bounced, and landed on the nose wheel, collapsing the nose gear.
Were there any fatalities in the 15 Nov 2014 CESSNA AIRCRAFT CO E162 UNDESIGNAT accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Nov 2014 involved a CESSNA AIRCRAFT CO E162 UNDESIGNAT, operated by North Coast Air, at Santa Rosa, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's improper flare which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent nose gear collapse.