This November 2007 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Cessna 152. Location: Venice, Fla. Injuries: None. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: During his first solo flight, the student pilot flew the Cessna 152 “fast” on final approach and flared higher than normal. The airplane bounced on the runway, and the student pilot initiated a go-around. He then lost control of the airplane, and it hit grass off to the side of the runway.
The student pilot reported no mechanical anomalies and stated that he used 10° of flaps instead of 30° during the approach. At the time of the accident, he had accumulated 23 hours of total flight experience, all in the make and model, and within the previous 90 days.
Probable cause: The student pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced landing.
For more information: NTSB.gov
