NTSB Factual Report

On December 4, 2004, approximately 1130 mountain standard time, a Cessna 172P single-engine airplane, N55250, sustained substantial damage when it impacted a taxiway sign and the nose gear collapsed following a loss of control during landing at Centennial Airport, Englewood, Colorado. The student pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was registered to EDB Air Inc., Wilsonville, Oregon, and operated by Flights Inc., Englewood, Colorado. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The solo flight departed Centennial Airport approximately 1100.

According to the pilot's statement, the accident occurred during his third landing. After takeoff from runway 17L, (10,002 feet long by 100 feet wide), the air traffic controller instructed the pilot to enter the standard traffic pattern to land on runway 17L. The approach to runway 17L was normal, and the airplane was aligned with the runway centerline. During the landing, the main landing gears touched down on the runway and then the nose landing gear touched down. Immediately after the nose wheel touched down on the runway, the airplane veered to the left. The pilot attempted to steer the airplane back to the right; however, the airplane did not respond to the pilot's rudder pedal inputs. Subsequently, the airplane struck a runway light and taxiway sign and came to rest upright off the left side of the runway. The pilot reported the wind was approximately 5 knots.

Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed the nose gear was collapsed and the firewall was buckled. No anomalies were noted with the airframe or nose wheel steering system.

Numerous attempts to obtain a completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) by the pilot were unsuccessful.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing.