N2462E

Substantial
None

CESSNA 172S/N: 17271291

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
NTSB Number
GAA16CA460
Location
Winchester, VA
Event ID
20160901X61053
Coordinates
39.143611, -78.144447
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 incorrect pitch control during the landing flare, which resulted in a porpoise, a loss of directional control, and a runway excursion.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
17271291
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1978
Model / ICAO
172C172
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
172N

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
FIVE SIX ZERO ONE LLC
Address
500 N STATE COLLEGE BLVD STE 1100
City
ORANGE
State / Zip Code
CA 92806
Country
United States

Analysis

The solo student pilot reported that the airplane ballooned during the landing flare and touched down beyond the planned touchdown point. He further reported that the airplane porpoised and on the third bounce he felt a vibration. Subsequently, the airplane departed the runway to the left and stopped in grass next to the runway.

The firewall sustained substantial damage.

The student pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane 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# GAA16CA460