No fatalities

Student Pilot Experiences Porpoise Landing Leading to Nose Gear Collapse and Runway Excursion

Mesa, AZ, United States

On May 2, 2016, a CESSNA 172 S operated by UND AEROSPACE FOUNDATION was involved in an aviation accident near Mesa, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain pitch control during the landing flare, which resulted in an abnormal runway contact, porpoise, nose gear collapse, runway excursion, and impact with terrain. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 15 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot reported a porpoise during landing, leading to an aborted landing attempt. The aircraft touched down again, causing nose gear collapse, runway excursion, and terrain impact. Substantial fuselage damage occurred.

Accident Details

A student pilot was conducting a landing when the airplane porpoised. In response, the pilot attempted to abort the landing. However, the aircraft subsequently touched down again, resulting in a collapsed nose gear. The airplane then departed the runway (runway excursion) and struck terrain.

Damage Assessment

The accident caused substantial damage to the fuselage of the aircraft. According to the pilot, there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Pilot Statement

The student pilot stated that no mechanical issues were present before the accident sequence. The reported porpoise and subsequent actions were the events leading to the damage.

Contributing factors

Pitch control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 May 2016 CESSNA 172 S accident near Mesa, AZ?

A student pilot reported a porpoise during landing, leading to an aborted landing attempt. The aircraft touched down again, causing nose gear collapse, runway excursion, and terrain impact. Substantial fuselage damage occurred.

Were there any fatalities in the 2 May 2016 CESSNA 172 S accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 May 2016 involved a CESSNA 172 S, operated by UND AEROSPACE FOUNDATION, at Mesa, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's failure to maintain pitch control during the landing flare, which resulted in an abnormal runway contact, porpoise, nose gear collapse, runway excursion, and impact with terrain.