CESSNA 172R near Naples, FL — 2011-09-14

Probable cause

The student pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent loss of directional control.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot stated that he entered the traffic pattern at the airport and completed all before-landing checks. He said that the airplane touched down hard, and he lost directional control. The airplane exited the runway, collided with an embankment and sustained substantial damage to the firewall, right wing, and right horizontal stabilizer. The student pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

• Hard landing · Landing-flare/touchdown

Evidence available

• Photos
• 5 docket documents

Docket documents5

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Photo 1 Front view of airplane at rest. Photo FAAphotos
• Photo 2 Right front view of airplane at rest. Photo FAAphotos
• Photo 3 Right rear view of airplane at rest. Photo FAAphotos
• Photo 4 Left side view of airplane at rest. Photo FAAphotos

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