N3947RCESSNA 1722017-03-23 NTSB Accident Report

Substantial
None

CESSNA 172S/N: 17255447

Summary

On March 23, 2017, a Cessna 172 (N3947R) was involved in an incident near Timberlake, NC. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The student pilot’s failure to maintain pitch control during the landing flare with a tailwind, which resulted in a propeller strike.

The solo student pilot reported that, during the landing flare he "felt a big push from behind", which resulted in a propeller strike and substantial damage to the fuselage.

The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, at the time of the accident, the wind was from 190° at 3 knots. The airplane landed on runway 6.

This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA17CA206. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N3947R.

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, March 23, 2017
NTSB Number
GAA17CA206
Location
Timberlake, NC
Event ID
20170323X90917
Coordinates
36.286388, -78.981941
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 pitch control during the landing flare with a tailwind, which resulted in a propeller strike.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
17255447
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1966
Model / ICAO
172C172
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
172H

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
CARTER GEORGE T
Address
238 PAULAN RD
City
WILLIAMSTON
State / Zip Code
SC 29697-9731
Country
United States

Analysis

The solo student pilot reported that, during the landing flare he "felt a big push from behind", which resulted in a propeller strike and substantial damage to the fuselage.

The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, at the time of the accident, the wind was from 190° at 3 knots. The airplane landed on runway 6.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA17CA206