This July 2009 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Cessna 172. Injuries: None. Location: Grand Forks, N.D. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The student pilot was making his first solo flight. The first two takeoffs and landings went well. On the third approach, as he flared the airplane, the stall warning horn sounded but the 172 did not descend onto the runway. The student relaxed the back pressure and the plane landed hard and bounced several times before coming to a stop.
An after-flight inspection revealed curled propeller blade tips and damage to the engine firewall.
Probable cause: The student pilot’s improper landing flare and recovery from a bounced landing.
For more information: NTSB.gov NTSB Identification: CEN09CA402.
