Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172S near Palm Coast, FL — 2021-11-14

Final reportERA22LA065
Sign in to save
Date
2021-11-14
Location
Palm Coast, FL, USA
Airport
FIN
Aircraft
CESSNA 172S
Registration
N61237
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The student pilot’s improper landing flare and subsequent improper recovery from a bounced landing, resulting in a hard landing and substantial damage to the lower fuselage and firewall.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot reported turning base to final and noticed birds in front of the airplane; she avoided the birds and lined the airplane up on the runway centerline. The pilot stated that during the landing flare the airplane “began to balloon” and she reduced power and back pressure. The airplane continued to balloon as it “became out of my control.” The airplane bounced several times, striking the runway hard before coming to rest on the runway, resulting in substantial damage the cockpit floor structure and firewall. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

Related mishaps