Tecnam P92 N508TE accident near Charlottesville, Virginia

Probable cause

The student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing and a nose landing gear collapse.

NTSB analysis

The solo student pilot reported that during a cross-country flight, he entered the traffic pattern at his first destination, and while on final approach he needed to add power to correct the airplane’s low approach. During the touchdown he reported that the “nose wheel dropped hard and bounced twice and damaged the front nose wheel and the prop.” Subsequently, the nose landing gear collapsed, and the airplane skidded to a stop on the runway. The airplane’s engine mount sustained substantial damage. Review of airport security video showed that the airplane touched down and bounced three times. On the third touchdown, the airplane did not become airborne again and stopped shortly after. The student pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA20CA304 for the full record.