N6508K

Substantial
None

Cessna 172S/N: 17274205

Accident Details

Date
Monday, July 2, 2018
NTSB Number
GAA18CA391
Location
Troy, MI
Event ID
20180705X92917
Coordinates
42.542778, -83.178886
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 a proper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, porpoised landing during an aborted go-around.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
17274205
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1980
Model / ICAO
172C172
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
172P

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
TROY OAKLAND PILOTS FLYING CLUB INC
Address
2672 INDUSTRIAL ROW DR
City
TROY
State / Zip Code
MI 48084-7036
Country
United States

Analysis

The solo student pilot reported that during landing, the airplane slowed, and the stall warning sounded as the main landing gear contacted the runway. He added that, it appeared that the airplane had landed, but he then observed the nose drop below the horizon. He added power to go around, but the nose wheel impacted the runway and the airplane pitched "rearward". Subsequently, the airplane porpoised, the nose landing gear strut collapsed, and he aborted the go around. The student taxied the airplane to park without further incident.

The flight instructor reported that, he witnessed that the airplane on approach was a little flat but did not appear to be unstable. The student then pitched the airplane for the numbers, the airplane floated down the runway, and touched down in a flat attitude. Subsequently, the airplane bounced 2 to 3 ft in the air, porpoised, and the student was then able to taxi from the runway. The flight instructor added that, the student was too late on his flare and all of the energy came down on the nose wheel.

The airplane sustained 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.

The automated weather observation system at the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 250° at 7 knots. The student pilot landed on runway 27.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA18CA391