N2254U

Substantial
None

CESSNA 172 - RS/N: 1780684

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, May 28, 2015
NTSB Number
GAA15CA099
Location
State College, PA
Event ID
20150602X91946
Coordinates
40.854442, -77.840278
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The student pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the approach to landing which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and a hard landing.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
1780684
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1999
Model / ICAO
172 - RC172
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
172R

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
RARITAN VALLEY FLYING SCHOOL
Address
41 AIRPARK RD
City
PRINCETON
State / Zip Code
NJ 08540-1500
Country
United States

Analysis

The student pilot was performing a solo cross country flight and was on final approach at the destination airport. The pilot stated that the airplane speed decreased while crossing the runway threshold, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and the airplane landing hard on the main landing gear. The airplane subsequently porpoised, and the nose wheel landing gear collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded 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# GAA15CA099