Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172 near Merritt Island, FL — 2016-01-31

Final reportGAA16CA114
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Date
2016-01-31
Location
Merritt Island, FL, USA
Airport
COI
Aircraft
CESSNA 172
Registration
N35079
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The student pilot's improper flare which resulted in a porpoise, runway excursion, and nose over.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot reported that during landing on his third solo flight, the approach to the runway was high and fast, and that during touchdown, the nose wheel touched first resulting in a porpoise. During the porpoise, the airplane drifted to the left and the pilot elected to abort the landing. He advanced the throttle to full power, which increased the yaw to the left. The airplane exited the runway to the left, impacted a ditch, and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left lift strut, empennage, and fuselage. The student pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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