Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The student pilot's improper landing flare and touchdown, which resulted in a hard landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
According to the flight instructor, the student pilot was conducting her first solo flight after 15 hours of dual instruction. On the first and second attempts at landing, the student pilot bounced, applied power and went around. On the third attempt at a landing in the pattern, a small helicopter was on the runway and she went around again. On the fourth attempt at landing, the airplane touched down, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane skidded to a stop on the right side of the runway. Post-accident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the right side fuselage incurred substantial damage due to buckling. The flight instructor reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA13CA040