Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172 near Louisville, KY — 2024-10-08

Final reportERA25LA031
Sign in to save
Date
2024-10-08
Location
Louisville, KY, USA
Airport
LOU
Aircraft
CESSNA 172
Registration
N640MG
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper landing flare and control inputs, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing was the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.

Contributing factors

Contributing was the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that she rented the accident airplane to gain proficiency flying from the right seat and had asked the flight instructor to sit in the left seat during the flight. While maneuvering the airplane through the final approach leg of the traffic pattern, the pilot reported making control adjustments to recover from a low and slow approach to land. She attempted to initiate a go-around, but utilizing muscle memory from flying from the left seat, she inadvertently reduced throttle and pushed the yoke forward resulting in a hard landing. The airplane bounced and the pilot applied full power, after which the flight instructor then took control of the airplane. The flight instructor flew another traffic pattern circuit and landed the airplane without further incident. The airplane’s floorboards and internal structure were later found to be substantially damaged. Both the pilot and the flight instructor reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

Related mishaps