Primary finding
Probable cause
the improper flare performed by the student and the inadequate recovery from the bounced landing. A factor related to the accident was the student lack of experience.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The accident occurred during the second landing of the student's first solo flight. The student reported that during the landing the airplane bounced three or four times coming down on the nose gear first. The student attempted remedial action to no avail.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 16, 1997, at 0945 central daylight time, a Cessna 172, N733FT, operated by a student pilot collided with the terrain following a loss of control during a landing flare on runway 31 (6,499' x 150') at the Ottumwa Industrial Airport, Ottumwa, Iowa. The student pilot was not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The local flight was being conducted in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The flight originated from Ottumwa, Iowa, at 0930 central standard time. The accident occurred during the second landing on the student's first solo flight. The student reported that the first landing was "... O.K., but a little bit rough." The student reported that during the second landing flare the airplane bounced three or four times coming down on the nose gear first. The student reported adding power in an attempt to recover. The student continued to state, "I probably flared too soon when the airspeed was still to high... ." -