CESSNA 172P near Bellingham, WA — 2021-04-14

Probable cause

The student pilot’s inadequate flare resulting in a loss of control during landing with a crosswind and subsequent nose over.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot reported that, he configured the airplane for landing on runway 34 and was compensating for a 9 kt left crosswind. The student pilot flared too aggressively, and the airplane ballooned, at which point he lost directional control. The airplane touched down and he applied excessive brake pressure. The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted, resulting in substantial damage to both wings. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control on ground · Landing-landing roll
• Decision Making / Judgment

Evidence available

• Photos
• 2 docket documents

Docket documents2

• PILOT/OPERATOR AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT REPORT, NTSB FORM 6120.1form
• PHOTOGRAPH OF AIRPLANE (SOURCE OF PHOTO UNKNOWN)photos

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