Probable cause
The student pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and subsequent nose landing gear collapse.
NTSB analysis
The solo student pilot reported that, shortly after the airplane landed, it ballooned and then bounced twice. Subsequently, the airplane pitched down, and the nose landing gear struck the runway and then collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine frame. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA571 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 25, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lafayette, Indiana
- Nearest airport
- Purdue University (LAF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 152
- N-number
- N6450B
- 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.