N497TC

Substantial
None

CESSNA 172S/N: 172S9870

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, July 30, 2017
NTSB Number
GAA17CA470
Location
Carlsbad, CA
Event ID
20170804X75802
Coordinates
33.128887, -117.275833
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 improper landing flare in gusting wind conditions.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
172S9870
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2005
Model / ICAO
172C172
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
172S

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
PINNACLE AVIATION SERVICES INC
Address
1401 VANESSA CIR
City
ENCINITAS
State / Zip Code
CA 92024-2439
Country
United States

Analysis

The solo student pilot reported that, during landing, the airplane porpoised and the propeller struck the runway. He added that he initiated a go-around, landed, and taxied back to the ramp without further incident.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and firewall.

The 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 about 37 minutes before the accident the wind was from 250° at 8 knots, gusting 16 knots. The same weather observation station reported that about 23 minutes after the accident the wind was from 250° at 10 knots. The airplane was landing on runway 24.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA17CA470