Probable cause
The student pilot's improper landing flare and touchdown, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
According to the flight instructor, the student pilot was conducting her first solo flight after 15 hours of dual instruction. On the first and second attempts at landing, the student pilot bounced, applied power and went around. On the third attempt at a landing in the pattern, a small helicopter was on the runway and she went around again. On the fourth attempt at landing, the airplane touched down, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane skidded to a stop on the right side of the runway. Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed that the right side fuselage incurred substantial damage due to buckling. The flight instructor reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA13CA040 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 24, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hampton, New Hampshire
- Nearest airport
- Hampton Airfield (7B3)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aeronca 7CCM
- N-number
- N4567E
- 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.