This January 2010 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: Luscombe 8 Injuries: 1 Serious. Location: Springfield, Tenn. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: According to the CFI, he and the student pilot flew earlier in the day in preparation for the student’s first solo flight. The CFI reported that the student “was doing very well at landing the airplane” and did not have difficulty maintaining directional control.
The instructor exited the airplane and the student attempted his first solo flight. On his first landing attempt, he flared late and bounced high. He initiated a go-around but lost control of the airplane. The Luscombe collided with several aircraft hangars approximately 15 feet above ground level.
Probable cause: The student pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during a go-around after a bounced landing.
For more information: NTSB.gov. NTSB Identification: ERA10CA117
