Cessna 172 student pilot reported a bounced landing during a solo training flight during visual gusty wind conditions; causing the nose gear tire to go flat and propeller damage. The pilot requested assistance from ATC and was towed to a parking space; and did not suffer any injuries

Date: 2024-02 · Aircraft: Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172 · Phase: landing

Anomalies: aircraft-equipment-problem-critical|deviation-discrepancy-procedural-published-material-policy|ground-event-encounter-loss-of-aircraft-control|ground-event-encounter-ground-strike-aircraft|inflight-event-encounter-weather-turbulence|inflight-event-encounter-loss-of-aircraft-control

Synopsis

Cessna 172 student pilot reported a bounced landing during a solo training flight during visual gusty wind conditions; causing the nose gear tire to go flat and propeller damage. The pilot requested assistance from ATC and was towed to a parking space; and did not suffer any injuries

Narrative

The following is my report concerning the incident that I was involved in on Day 0 at approximately XX:00 pm local time.I had texted Person A; my flying instructor; the following message at XU:45 am:Good morning; Person A; yesterday Person B re-booked my reservation from ZZZ1 to ZZZ2. Since the weather is good now; Fm Day0XF00 W; 190/7 and visibility P6SM; I decided to go and practice short and soft field t&g's. The weather should be like that until Day0XI00.Person A replied with the following text message at XV:00 am:U r good to go. Have fun. Text me when u land.I drove to the airport; arriving there by XV:35 am. I retrieved the keys for Aircraft X from the office safe and proceeded towards the plane; which was parked at the D-South ramp. Additionally; I brought cleaning fluid for the frame; as I had noticed the low level of it during yesterday's inspection (noted on the inventory sheet).While conducting the pre-flight check; I observed that the fuel level was below the tab; prompting me to order additional fuel 'to the tab.' The oil check indicated 6 quarts. At around XW:00 am; I received the latest ATC report; providing information such as wind direction and speed; sky conditions; temperature; altimeter setting; runway details; and any relevant information. I recorded the following values:Time: XC:53 ZWind: 200/11/G17Sky: Sc 015; Br 027; Br 040 Temp: 24/11Alt. 2991Rnwy: XXInfo: GFollowing the pre-flight check; I contacted ZZZ Ground with a request for touch-and-go (t&g) with info 'G'. The Tower directed me to taxi to Runway XX via taxiway 1; crossing runway YY/ZZ; where I was second in sequence for takeoff.Executing a 'soft-field' takeoff with 10% flaps and Vx speed; I transitioned to Vy speed and retracted the flaps after reaching 300 ft altitude. Climbing to 700 ft altitude; I made a left crosswind turn and continued ascending to the pattern at 1;000 ft. Approximately 900 ft southeast of the runway; I turned downwind and informed the Tower of my position; requesting t&g. The Tower instructed me to continue downwind and wait for the 'base' call. While on the downwind leg; the Tower alerted me to traffic at 11 o'clock; a Cherokee. Once I spotted the traffic and informed the Tower; I was directed to follow the Cherokee and was cleared for landing as the second in line. Despite my request for t&g; the Tower denied it due to busy conditions; and I chose to land and taxi to parking.During the final approach to Runway XX at approximately 700 ft; I prepared for a strong left crosswind with a forward slip (left ailerons and right rudder). Touchdown was intended at the second stripe after the numbers; maintaining alignment with the centerline. At around 60 knots; 10-15 ft above the ground; a sudden and strong wind shear or gust hit the tail; pushing the nose down rapidly. Within a second; the front wheel touched the ground; causing the front tire to blow out. The aircraft then experienced strong bouncing; and I managed to regain control before taxiing off the runway to the 2 taxiway. I immediately contacted the Tower. Shortly afterward; assistance arrived; and after confirming my well-being; a towing service towed the plane to the D ramp parking space. I promptly informed Person C; the Maintenance Officer; of the incident; sending them pictures of the damaged parts as requested. Person C expressed concern for my well-being and was understanding throughout the entire episode. I also notified Person A about the situation.After parking and securing the plane; I again inspected the damage and surmised that the front wheel and the propeller were damaged.After recording the flying time; I finished the post flight procedure; cleaning the frame; putting up the sunshades and locking the door. After completing the final check; I called Person C again and asked them if they wanted me to stay at the airport and wait for a board member to come. They informed me that it was not necessary; and I proceeded to go to the office to return the key to the office safe; after which I drove home.When I arrived home; I received a call from an airport representative asking me further details regarding the incident. They also informed me that after a close inspection; it was determined that there was no damage to the runway.

Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.