NTSB Factual Report

On December 4, 2003, about 0905 mountain standard time, a Cessna 172N, nosed over following a bounced landing at the Nogales International Airport, Nogales, Arizona. The airplane was operated by Tiffin Aviation Services, Inc., in Nogales, and it was substantially damaged. The student pilot was not injured during the solo instructional flight that was performed under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight originated from Nogales about 0900.

According to the pilot's certified flight instructor (CFI) and the student pilot, the accident occurred during the student pilot's first landing during his first solo flight. After taking off, the student remained in the traffic pattern. The student reported that he entered the airport's downwind leg, turned onto the base leg, and flew the final approach course without difficulty. The wing flaps were extended, and the final approach speed was about 60 knots. The airplane touched down on runway 21 and bounced. According to the student, when the airplane touched down again it was near the left edge of the runway. The student reported that he applied right rudder and aileron to correct the airplane's course, but he was not successful. The airplane veered off the runway, collided with trees, and nosed over.

About the time of the accident, the local wind direction was reported from 140 degrees. Its speed was about 3 knots.

The student's total flying experience and experience in the Cessna 172 was about 30 hours. He had flown the airplane 22.7 hours during the preceding 90-day period.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing and his failure to maintain directional control.