Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172S near Air Force Academy, CO — 2025-01-27

Final reportCEN25LA088
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Date
2025-01-27
Location
Air Force Academy, CO, USA
Airport
AFF
Aircraft
CESSNA 172S
Registration
N51387
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during final approach after encountering an unexpected windshear.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, about 150 ft above ground level, the airplane encountered an unexpected windshear which resulted in a “significant sink rate” and loss of about 10 knots of airspeed. The pilot attempted to arrest the descent by adding engine power but was unsuccessful. The airplane landed hard, bounced, and then settled on the runway. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the firewall. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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