Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172S near Sebring, FL — 2012-09-03

Final reportERA12CA560
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Date
2012-09-03
Location
Sebring, FL, USA
Airport
SEF
Aircraft
CESSNA 172S
Registration
N9965P
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

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

NTSB narrative

The student pilot reported that during a solo flight, just prior to touchdown, he flared the airplane too high above the runway. The airplane touched down hard and bounced; however, the student pilot was able to complete the landing and did not notice any anomalies at that time. He subsequently performed another takeoff and landing uneventfully. At the conclusion of his last flight of the day, the student pilot noticed damage to the airplane. The student pilot added that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane prior to the hard landing. Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the firewall and lower fuselage.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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