Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane, which resulted in a nose over. His improper flare was a related factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he was on the fourth touch-and-go landing, when the airplane bounced during touchdown. He reduced engine power in an attempt to recover. The pilot reported that during his attempt to stop the bounce, the plane nosed forward as he attempted to go around. Subsequently, the airplane came to rest in grass adjacent to the runway. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 10, 1996 about 1530 eastern daylight time, N54310Q, a Cessna 152, a training flight, nosed over during an aborted landing on runway 29 at Worcester Municipal Airport, Worcester, Massachusetts. Visual meteorological conditions existed. The student pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The local flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot reported that he was on the fourth touch and go landing when the airplane bounced during touch down, and he reduced engine power in an attempt to recover. According to the pilot: "During my attempt to stop the bounce, the plane nosed forward on my attempt at a go around." The aircraft came to rest in grass adjacent to the runway. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions. -