Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172 near Atlanta, GA — 2026-01-28

Final reportERA26LA103
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Date
2026-01-28
Location
Atlanta, GA, USA
Airport
CCO
Aircraft
CESSNA 172
Registration
N407MD
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

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

NTSB narrative

The solo student pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings in the airport traffic pattern after performing maneuvers in the local area. After two successful stop-and-go landings, the pilot approached the runway for a third landing, during which the airplane touched down hard, so the pilot aborted the landing. During the final landing approach, the airplane touched down hard again and bounced, after which the pilot lost control of the airplane. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and rudder during the accident sequence. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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