No fatalities

Instructor Reports Bounce and Gear Collapse During Go-Around Attempt

Livermore, CA, United States

On April 5, 2018, a CESSNA 172 M was involved in an aviation accident near Livermore, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot’s failure to maintain runway centerline and flight instructor’s delayed remedial action during 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 flight instructor reported that during a student's landing, a wind gust pushed the airplane left, prompting a go-around. The airplane bounced, the left main landing gear caught on something, causing the airplane to spin and the nose gear to collapse, resulting in substantial damage.

Accident Summary

A flight instructor reported that while a student pilot was landing, a wind gust pushed the airplane to the left side of the runway about 10 ft off the ground. The instructor took control and added full power to initiate a go-around. Subsequently, the airplane bounced, and the left main landing gear "caught onto something" on the ground. The airplane then spun around, the left wing struck the ground, and the nose landing gear collapsed.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and right wing. No other damage was reported.

Weather Conditions

The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 7 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 290° at 6 knots. The airplane was landing on runway 25L.

Mechanical Status

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

Contributing factors

Causes

Heading/course — Not attained/maintainedStudent/instructed pilotInstructor/check pilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Apr 2018 CESSNA 172 M accident near Livermore, CA?

A flight instructor reported that during a student's landing, a wind gust pushed the airplane left, prompting a go-around. The airplane bounced, the left main landing gear caught on something, causing the airplane to spin and the nose gear to collapse, resulting in substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Apr 2018 CESSNA 172 M accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Apr 2018 involved a CESSNA 172 M, at Livermore, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot’s failure to maintain runway centerline and flight instructor’s delayed remedial action during landing.