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Hard Landing During First Solo Damages Airplane

Ormond Beach, FL, United States

On December 26, 2019, a Cessna 172 S operated by Phoenix East Aviation LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Ormond Beach, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot flared too early, before reaching ground effect, and instead of performing a go-around, pitched the airplane nose down, resulting in a hard landing on the nosewheel first. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 14 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During a student pilot's first solo flight, an early flare and nose-down pitch led to a hard landing on the nosewheel, causing damage to the firewall and lower fuselage.

Incident Details

A student pilot was conducting his first solo flight. As the airplane approached to land, the student pilot flared too early, before reaching ground effect. Instead of performing a go-around, the student pilot then pitched the airplane nose down, which resulted in a hard landing on the nosewheel first. The airplane subsequently bounced and landed back on the main wheels before coming to a stop on the runway.

Damage and Examination

After shutdown, the student and instructor noticed damage to the firewall and lower fuselage. An examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions, nor did the student pilot report any.

Probable cause

The student pilot flared too early, before reaching ground effect, and instead of performing a go-around, pitched the airplane nose down, resulting in a hard landing on the nosewheel first.

Contributing factors

Landing flare — Not attained/maintainedStudent/instructed pilot

Related events

Same aircraft family

  • 24 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172B
  • 23 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172
  • 18 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172
  • 16 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172M (CK Aviation LLC)
  • 9 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172
  • 8 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172N
  • 7 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172N (Tin Cup Investments INC)
  • 24 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172M
  • 21 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172P (Vascular Wings LLC)
  • 18 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172L (Ocala Aviation Services INC)
  • 16 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172L (Foothill Aircraft Sales and Service Inc.)
  • 9 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172N (Kimber 123 Holdings LLC)

Same operator

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Dec 2019 Cessna 172 S accident near Ormond Beach, FL?

During a student pilot's first solo flight, an early flare and nose-down pitch led to a hard landing on the nosewheel, causing damage to the firewall and lower fuselage.

Were there any fatalities in the 26 Dec 2019 Cessna 172 S accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Dec 2019 involved a Cessna 172 S, operated by Phoenix East Aviation LLC, at Ormond Beach, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot flared too early, before reaching ground effect, and instead of performing a go-around, pitched the airplane nose down, resulting in a hard landing on the nosewheel first.

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