ATL97LA008

The flight instructor (CFI) reported that the dual student flared prematurely (too high above the runway) during landing. The student was advised to reduce power. Simultaneously, the student reduced power and pushed the yoke forward, lowering the nose of the airplane, abruptly. The nose wheel struck the runway before the instructor could take control of the airplane. The airplane bounced, then was landed. During the landing, the nose wheel collapsed as it was lowered to the runway.

On October 25, 1996, about 1300 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 152, N757CU, collapsed the nose landing gear during the flare/touchdown at the Herbert Smart Airport, Macon, Georgia. The airplane was operated by Southeastern Flight Academy under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. A flight plan was not filed for the dual instructional flight. There were no injuries to the certificated flight instructor nor the student, and the airplane was substantially damaged. Origination of the flight was Herbert Smart Airport, Macon, Georgia, about one hour prior to the accident.

The flight instructor reported that as the airplane was flared for landing, too high above the runway, he advised the student to reduce power. The student reduced power and pushed the yoke forward, simultaneously. The nose wheel struck the runway before the instructor could take control of the airplane. The airplane bounced, then was landed. During the landing roll, the nose wheel collapsed as it was lowered to the runway.

The operator did not provide a completed NTSB Form 6120.1/2, Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, as requested by a letter dated November 6, 1996 (attached).