23 Mar 2016: CESSNA 172 S — Frederick Flight Center

23 Mar 2016: CESSNA 172 S — Frederick Flight Center

No fatalities • Frederick, MD, United States

Probable cause

The student pilot's improper pitch control during the landing flare, which resulted in a hard bounced landing.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The student pilot reported that during his second solo flight he encountered a gust of wind during the landing flare and the airplane ballooned and then bounced twice on the nose wheel. After the second bounce, the student pilot applied full power and aborted the landing. The subsequent landing was uneventful and he taxied to the ramp. A postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the firewall.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • cause Landing flare — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Pitch control — Not attained/maintained
  • Ability to respond/compensate

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 210/09kt, vis 10sm

Related events

Same aircraft

  • 22 Apr 2026 — CESSNA 172N (ANDERSON AVIATION SERVICES INC)
  • 20 Apr 2026 — CESSNA 172S (VISTA AVIATION INC)
  • 19 Apr 2026 — CESSNA 172P (JEPPESEN EMPLOYEES FLYING ASSOCIATION)
  • 16 Apr 2026 — CESSNA 172 K (Top Aviation Services)
  • 13 Apr 2026 — CESSNA 172S (CHRISTIANSEN AVIATION LLC)

Same operator

  • 29 Jun 2016 — CESSNA 172 R (Frederick Flight Center)
  • 16 Nov 2015 — CESSNA 172R R (Frederick Flight Center)
  • 25 Aug 2010 — CESSNA 172S (Frederick Flight Center)

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