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NTSB Report

June 19, 2020 · Cessna 172 M · N21585

Churchville, MD

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 19, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Churchville, MD
Aircraft
Cessna 172 M (1974)
Tail Number
N21585
Operator
Harford Air Services
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA20CA227

The student pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings in the airport traffic pattern and had previously completed two previous successful landings while flying with his flight instructor. The flight instructor then disembarked, and the student took off for what would be his second solo flight. After one successful landing, he approached the runway for a second. His approach to final was normal and stabilized and the student transitioned to landing. Upon contact with the runway the airplane bounced and became airborne, then touched down again, but this time nosewheel first which made the airplane bounce again and became airborne. The student applied full power to go around, then hesitated, and reduced power to attempt to recover the landing. The airplane immediately descended and struck the ground hard. The student attempted to slow down by pulling back on the control wheel and simultaneously applying the brakes. The airplane veered off the left side of the runway, stopped abruptly, and tipped up onto its nose. The airplane’s left wing was substantially damaged during the accident. The operator reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation, nor did the student pilot or flight instructor report any in their provided written statements. The student also reported that the wind gusts on the accident landing approach were higher than the previous approaches, and while on final over the runway, “...it was as if the wind had been taken out from under the wings, resulting in the accelerated decent rate.” He added that he was reluctant to pull back on the control wheel, as a stall could have resulted.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's improper landing flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing in gusty wind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing.

Full Narrative

The student pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings in the airport traffic pattern and had previously completed two previous successful landings while flying with his flight instructor. The flight instructor then disembarked, and the student took off for what would be his second solo flight. After one successful landing, he approached the runway for a second. His approach to final was normal and stabilized and the student transitioned to landing. Upon contact with the runway the airplane bounced and became airborne, then touched down again, but this time nosewheel first which made the airplane bounce again and became airborne. The student applied full power to go around, then hesitated, and reduced power to attempt to recover the landing. The airplane immediately descended and struck the ground hard. The student attempted to slow down by pulling back on the control wheel and simultaneously applying the brakes. The airplane veered off the left side of the runway, stopped abruptly, and tipped up onto its nose. The airplane’s left wing was substantially damaged during the accident. The operator reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation, nor did the student pilot or flight instructor report any in their provided written statements. The student also reported that the wind gusts on the accident landing approach were higher than the previous approaches, and while on final over the runway, “…it was as if the wind had been taken out from under the wings, resulting in the accelerated decent rate.” He added that he was reluctant to pull back on the control wheel, as a stall could have resulted.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:45 EDT
Nearest AirportHarford County (0nm NNW)
Runway19
Runway Length2856 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172 M
Tail NumberN21585
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHarford Air Services
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 37 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 15000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point68 F
Altimeter30.06 inHg
Observation Time17:58
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data