N8250U

On December 18, 1999, at 1700 central standard time, a Cessna 172 single engine airplane, N8250U, sustained substantial damage during a hard landing at Hicks Airfield near Fort Worth, Texas. The airplane was owned and operated by Pro Aircraft, Fort Worth, Texas, under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The student pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local solo flight, and a flight plan was not filed. The aircraft departed Hicks Airfield and was performing the first of a planned series of touch-and-go landings.

On the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) the operator reported that the pilot "did not flare." He further reported that the airplane "struck nose wheel first, [and] bounced (porpoised)." Subsequently, the airplane bounced a second time and the student pilot "lost control." The aircraft departed the runway, struck the ground with the right wing tip, spun around, and came to rest among bushes on the southwest side of the runway. The main spar and ribs were damaged on both wings. One propeller blade was damaged.

The student pilot was endorsed for the solo flight. He had a total flight time of 59.5 hours, of which 42.5 hours were in the accident make and model of aircraft.

The FAA inspector, who examined the aircraft, reported that the airplane departed runway 32 to the left side and impacted trees. The aircraft received structural damage to both wings and the right aileron.