Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172 near Louisa, VA — 2024-08-22

Final reportERA24LA364
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Date
2024-08-22
Location
Louisa, VA, USA
Airport
LKU
Aircraft
CESSNA 172
Registration
N72664
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper landing flare which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was making an intermediate stop during a cross-country flight. While maneuvering the airplane through the final approach leg of the traffic pattern, the pilot described encountering “what appeared to be wind shear”. The pilot stated that the airplane “drop[ped] suddenly,” contacted the runway firmly, and bounced. The pilot elected to abort the landing and fly a second approach, during which he did not report encountering any adverse wind or turbulence, and landed without further incident. After landing, the pilot shut down the airplane to check the fuel quantity and take a short break. During the following pre-takeoff run-up procedures, the pilot reported feeling some “resistance” in the elevator control and taxied the airplane back to shut down and report the issue. The airplane’s forward lower fuselage and floorboards were later found to have been substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact 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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