Casualties unknown

Student Pilot's Approach Error Leads to Hard Landing and Firewall Damage (N350ME)

Seattle, WA, US

On October 2, 2003, a Cessna 172S (registration N350ME) operated by Galvin Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Seattle, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Improper flare during the landing. Excessive airspeed and improper remedial action were factors. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot landed hard after overshooting the approach, resulting in multiple nose-gear touchdowns and substantial firewall damage.

Incident Overview

During a training flight, a student pilot encountered difficulties while attempting to land. The pilot reported that upon turning to final approach, he realized the aircraft was too high. In response, he pitched the nose down but did not reduce power. This caused the airspeed to increase.

Attempted Correction

The pilot then decided to slip the aircraft to reduce speed. The aircraft eventually descended to the VASI glide slope, but at an excessive airspeed for landing. The aircraft touched down in a flat attitude, causing it to balloon back into the air.

Landing Sequence

After ballooning, the pilot pitched the nose down. The aircraft contacted the runway on the nose gear and bounced. The pilot again pitched the nose down, resulting in another nose-gear touchdown and bounce. The aircraft eventually settled onto the runway. The pilot applied brakes and taxied off the runway, concluding the flight.

Post-Accident Inspection

Following the incident, an inspection of the aircraft revealed substantial damage to the firewall.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20031017X01768. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.