Probable cause
the student pilot's premature flare resulting in the loss of aircraft control.
NTSB analysis
According to the student pilot she flared too early, ballooned, and impacted the runway. She stated that when she impacted the runway, she was not aligned with the centerline and the airplane departed the runway to the left. The airplane slid into the snow, resulting in substantial damage. The student reported no anomalies with the airplane or any of its systems.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DEN08CA047 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 2, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Loveland, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Fort Collins Loveland (FNL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 152
- N-number
- N24965
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.