Summary
On May 26, 2018, a Cessna 172 (N789EP) was involved in an incident near Westminster, MD. 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 pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
The pilot reported that, during short final at night, he reduced power to idle and the airplane descended rapidly and landed hard in a flat attitude. He added that, after touchdown the airplane bounced, and he applied full power to go around. He entered the traffic pattern and then landed without further incident.
Postaccident examination three days later revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA18CA326. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N789EP.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that, during short final at night, he reduced power to idle and the airplane descended rapidly and landed hard in a flat attitude. He added that, after touchdown the airplane bounced, and he applied full power to go around. He entered the traffic pattern and then landed without further incident.
Postaccident examination three days later revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions 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# GAA18CA326