Probable cause
The student pilot’s improper flare and inadequate recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings. He reported that he flared the airplane early and that it ballooned before bouncing firmly several times. The pilot subsequently lost directional control of the airplane, which then departed the side of the runway and collided with an airfield light. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed damage to the firewall and fuselage. No other anomalies were found.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12CA213 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 24, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Council Bluffs, Iowa
- Nearest airport
- Council Bluffs Municipal (KCBF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172R
- N-number
- N368ES
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.