Primary finding
Probable cause
the student pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing. The student pilot's lack of total flight experience was a factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The solo student pilot stated he was high and fast on final approach to the runway. He reported when he flared he felt the airplane climb, so he pushed the yoke forward. He stated the airplane hit the runway hard so he pulled back on the yoke. When the student pilot pushed the yoke forward again, the nose gear impacted the runway and collapsed. The student pilot reported 21.3 hours total flight time, including 1.5 hours as pilot in command.
Source record
Factual narrative
On March 25, 1994, at 1515 central standard time, a Cessna 152, N89761, operated as an instructional flight by the University of Dubuque, sustained substantial damage when it nosed down after a bounced, hard landing at Dubuque, Iowa. The student pilot, the sole occupant, reported no injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight, no flight plan was filed. The flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91, and originated from Dubuque, Iowa, approximately 1440. The student pilot stated he returned from a solo flight in the local practice area, intending to practice touch and go landings at Dubuque. He entered the downwind leg for runway 31 and was cleared for "touch and go." He reported he extended his traffic pattern because he was unable to locate the traffic he was supposed to follow. The student pilot was high and fast on final approach to the runway. He stated he "...tried to flare but...I felt the airplane wanting to climb. I then put the yoke forward so I could get closer to the runway....the airplane hit the runway hard so I pulled back on the yoke....As I pulled back the wheels hit against the runway....I thought I would push the nose forward....But, when I pushed forward the nose wheel hit the runway and snapped... ." The student pilot reported 21.3 hours total flight time, including 1.5 hours as pilot in command. -