N254EK

Substantial
None

CESSNA 172S/N: 172S11119

Accident Details

Date
Monday, April 30, 2018
NTSB Number
GAA18CA294
Location
Palo Alto, CA
Event ID
20180524X25249
Coordinates
37.461112, -122.114997
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
4
Total Aboard
4

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
172S11119
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2011
Model / ICAO
172C172
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
172S

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
BELLERS AVIATION INC
Address
44982 COUGAR CIR
City
FREMONT
State / Zip Code
CA 94539-6000
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that, during short final, he noticed "a sudden lack of wind" and the airplane began to descend. He added that the airplane landed hard and bounced multiple times. He taxied back to the parking ramp without further incident.

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

The owner of the airplane rental company reported that the pilot did not notify any personnel of the hard, bounded landing. He added that, during a later flight, the owner of the airplane noticed a vibration and landed to examine the airplane. Postflight examination revealed propeller damage and substantial damage to the fuselage.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA18CA294