Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 152 near Valparaiso, IN — 2016-03-23

Final reportGAA16CA159
Sign in to save
Date
2016-03-23
Location
Valparaiso, IN, USA
Airport
VPZ
Aircraft
CESSNA 152
Registration
N918U
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain pitch control during the landing flare, which resulted in a porpoise and substantial damage to the firewall.

NTSB narrative

The solo student pilot reported that during the landing flare the airplane ballooned, and upon touchdown the nose gear touched down first. He further reported that the airplane porpoised. Subsequently, the nose landing gear collapsed and the airplane skidded to a stop on the runway, which resulted in substantial damage to the firewall. According to the student pilot there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

Related mishaps