NTSB Factual Report

The 41-hour student pilot of the Cessna 172 reported that he was practicing touch and go landings during the solo flight. During the second landing attempt, the airplane "ballooned" and "turned to the left," then departed the runway and impacted the grass apron. The pilot reported that he lost consciousness during the accident, and could not recall the impact or the exact moment the airplane began the left turn. A review of the student pilot's logbook by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the student pilot had only flown three times in the 4 months prior to the accident, and had not flown with an instructor in over 30 days.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper flare while landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control and collision with terrain.