The airplane was substantially damaged at about 0915 Central time when it impacted trees during a landing attempt. Visual conditions prevailed; the Student pilot received minor injuries. The accident occurred during the pilots first supervised solo flight. According to the observing instructor, during the landing attempt and while on short final, it appeared the airplane was slightly high. The airplane then seemed to assume a flared attitude appropriate for landing but well above the runway. He heard the student apply full power, consistent with initiating a go-around. About that time, the student initiated a left turn, barely clearing trees on the west side of the runway. The instructor then observed the aircraft maintain 30-50 feet of altitude in the turn and descend below the tree line. An impact sound followed.
September 3, 2006, Pensacola, Fla. / Cessna 172N
Key Takeaways:
- A student pilot sustained minor injuries and substantially damaged an airplane by impacting trees during their first supervised solo landing attempt.
- The accident occurred after the instructor observed the airplane appear high on final approach, flare prematurely, then initiate a go-around and a left turn before descending below the tree line.
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