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NTSB Report

April 30, 2016 · Cessna 152 NO Series · N94565

Palo Alto, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 30, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Palo Alto, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 152 NO Series (1983)
Tail Number
N94565
Operator
Sundance Flying Club
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA16CA209

According to the student pilot, during his fifth solo flight, he struggled to keep the nose straight during the landing on runway 31. He reported that during the touchdown the airplane porpoised, the nose gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest on the runway. According to his certificated flight instructor (CFI), the student pilot was endorsed to fly the airplane in a maximum wind velocity of 8 knots. The meteorological aerodrome report (METAR) indicated that the wind at the time of the accident was 310 degrees true at 15 knots, gusting to 22 knots. According to METAR data the wind velocity exceeded the pilot's endorsed limitation at 0747 Pacific daylight time (PDT), and did not subside during the remainder of that day. The student pilot's solo flight commenced at 1259 PDT. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies with the airplane prior to or during the flight that would have prevented normal flight operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's decision to takeoff in wind conditions that exceeded his certificated flight instructor's maximum wind endorsement, and the student pilot's failure to maintain pitch control during the touchdown, resulting in abnormal runway contact, and substantial damage to the firewall.

Full Narrative

According to the student pilot, during his fifth solo flight, he struggled to keep the nose straight during the landing on runway 31. He reported that during the touchdown the airplane porpoised, the nose gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest on the runway. According to his certificated flight instructor (CFI), the student pilot was endorsed to fly the airplane in a maximum wind velocity of 8 knots. The meteorological aerodrome report (METAR) indicated that the wind at the time of the accident was 310 degrees true at 15 knots, gusting to 22 knots. According to METAR data the wind velocity exceeded the pilot's endorsed limitation at 0747 Pacific daylight time (PDT), and did not subside during the remainder of that day. The student pilot's solo flight commenced at 1259 PDT. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies with the airplane prior to or during the flight that would have prevented normal flight operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:06 PDT
Nearest AirportPALOALTO (0nm E)
Runway31
Runway Length2443 ft
Runway Width70 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 152 NO Series
Tail NumberN94565
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSundance Flying Club
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-N2C · Reciprocating · 108
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 23 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 17 kt, gusting 22 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point43 C
Altimeter29.85 inHg
Observation Time21:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data