Cessna 172 N21585 accident near Churchville, Maryland

Probable cause

The student pilot's improper landing flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing in gusty wind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB analysis

The student pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings in the airport traffic pattern and had previously completed two previous successful landings while flying with his flight instructor. The flight instructor then disembarked, and the student took off for what would be his second solo flight. After one successful landing, he approached the runway for a second. His approach to final was normal and stabilized and the student transitioned to landing. Upon contact with the runway the airplane bounced and became airborne, then touched down again, but this time nosewheel first which made the airplane bounce again and became airborne. The student applied full power to go around, then hesitated, and reduced power to attempt to recover the landing. The airplane immediately descended and struck the ground hard. The student attempted to slow down by pulling back on the control wheel and simultaneously applying the brakes. The airplane veered off the left side of the runway, stopped abruptly, and tipped up onto its nose. The airplane’s left wing was substantially damaged during the accident.

The operator reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation, nor did the student pilot or flight instructor report any in their provided written statements. The student also reported that the wind gusts on the accident landing approach were higher than the previous approaches, and while on final over the runway, “…it was as if the wind had been taken out from under the wings, resulting in the accelerated decent rate.” He added that he was reluctant to pull back on the control wheel, as a stall could have resulted.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA20CA227 for the full record.