CESSNA 172 near Thomson, GA — 2016-06-08

Probable cause

The student pilot's incorrect landing flare and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which resulted in a hard landing, nose wheel collapse, and runway excursion.

NTSB narrative

The flight instructor reported that during a night training flight the airplane was high on final approach. He further reported that during the landing flare, the airplane ballooned and then touched down hard. The flight instructor attempted to abort the landing, but the nose gear collapsed during the touchdown and the airplane veered off the runway. The right wing and left elevator sustained substantial damage. The flight instructor did not report any mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

• Hard landing · Landing-flare/touchdown
• Delayed Action

Evidence available

• Photos
• 3 docket documents

Docket documents3

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Record of Conversation (Flight Instructor)other
• Accident Photos (Courtesy of FAA)photos

Related mishaps

• CUB CRAFTERS INC CC19-215

  2026-06-09 · Plymouth, NH

• COSTRUZIONI AERONAUTICHE TECNA P-MENTOR

  2026-06-09 · Pompano Beach, FL

• PIPER PA-28-180

  2026-05-28 · Chesapeake, VA

• CESSNA 182

  2026-05-28 · Dickinson, ND

• CESSNA 172

  2026-05-27 · Naubinway, MI

• CESSNA R182

  2026-05-26 · Fitchburg, MA