This March 2009 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. Injuries: None. Location: Crystal River, Fla. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The student pilot was on the second leg of her first solo cross-country flight. The approach was normal, but the airplane bounced during landing. It went off the runway and the nose gear collapsed. The pilot told investigators that she lost consciousness during the accident and her memory of the event was limited. She could not recall whether the airplane experienced any pre-impact failures or malfunctions during landing.
The post-accident examination did not reveal any airworthiness issues with either the airframe or engine that would have affected the handling characteristics or performance of the airplane. Winds about the time of the accident were steady at seven knots.
Probable cause: The student pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced landing.
For more information: NTSB.gov
