Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172 near Clearwater, FL — 2017-01-26

Final reportERA17LA095
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Date
2017-01-26
Location
Clearwater, FL, USA
Airport
CLW
Aircraft
CESSNA 172
Registration
N2382R
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in damage to the engine firewall.

NTSB narrative

After a preflight inspection revealed no anomalies, the private pilot departed on a local flight. Shortly after takeoff, he elected to return to the departure airport due to adverse weather nearby. He entered the airport traffic pattern and while on final approach with the flaps extended 30°, the airplane encountered a wind gust, which caused the airplane to balloon. The pilot executed a go-around and entered the traffic pattern for the same runway, but he only extended the flaps to 10°. He reported that the touchdown was soft and on the runway numbers. He then taxied to parking and secured the airplane. Surveillance video footage showed the pilot inspecting the propeller after disembarking. Postaccident examination of the airplane, which had not moved or been operated since being returned by the pilot, revealed damage to the propeller and firewall; therefore, it is likely that the damage was sustained during the pilot's landing due to an improper landing flare.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have opted for a different landing approach after the first go-around.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents8

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