Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The student pilot’s inadequate landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
According to the student pilot, he entered the downwind leg for runway 17L as instructed by the control tower. The airspeed was about 80 KIAS (knots indicated airspeed). When he passed his aiming (touchdown) point, he initiated a descent. The airplane was stabilized on final approach, but when the student pilot went to land, he flared too late, resulting in a hard landing. The student pilot turned onto the taxiway to do an after-landing checklist and discovered the nose wheel tire was deflated. A postaccident examination revealed that the firewall and floorboard panels were wrinkled. The student pilot reported no preaccident anomalies or failures that would have prevented normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN12CA426