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NTSB Report
August 31, 2009 · Cessna 152 · N5155B
Merced, CA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 31, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Merced, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 152
Tail Number
N5155B
Operator
Sierra Academy of Aeronautics
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR09CA430
During the landing flare for a full-stop landing, the airplane touched down hard, and bounced into the air. The student pilot attempted to arrest the descent, but the airplane's nose wheel hit the runway surface with sufficient force to collapse the nose gear strut and to damage the firewall.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's improper flare which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent collapse of the nose landing gear strut.
Full Narrative
During the landing flare for a full-stop landing, the student pilot's lack of adequate pitch control resulted in the airplane entering a wheelbarrow type oscillation on the nose wheel. Because the student pilot was unable to correct the oscillation, the airplane's nose wheel hit the runway surface with sufficient force to collapse the nose gear strut and to damage the firewall.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 PDT
Nearest AirportMerced/Castle (0nm)
Runway31
Runway Length7000 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 152
Tail NumberN5155B
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSierra Academy of Aeronautics
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235 SERIES · Reciprocating · 115
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 25 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 9000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter29.81 inHg
Weather SourcePILO