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Student Pilot’s Approach and Go-Around Lead to Hard Landing (N98730)

Caldwell, NJ, US

On July 28, 2005, a Cessna 172P (registration N98730) operated by Mac Dan Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Caldwell, NJ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing. A factor was a partial loss of engine power, as reported by the pilot, for undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot, too high and too fast on final, initiated a go-around. Engine rpm decreased; forced landing resulted in hard contact on right main gear. No engine defects found.

Event Summary

During final approach, the student pilot judged the aircraft to be "too high" and "too fast" and initiated a go-around. Upon applying full power, the pilot observed that the engine noise did not seem to accelerate, and the engine rpm began to decrease. The pilot then prepared for a forced landing to the grass beyond the departure end of the runway. During the landing, the airplane "hit hard" on the right main landing gear.

Pilot Experience

The student pilot reported a total of 45 hours of flight experience, all of which were in the accident airplane make and model.

Engine Examination

Examination of the engine revealed no mechanical deficiencies.

Engine failure

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Jul 2005 Cessna 172P accident near Caldwell, NJ?

A student pilot, too high and too fast on final, initiated a go-around. Engine rpm decreased; forced landing resulted in hard contact on right main gear. No engine defects found.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Jul 2005 Cessna 172P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Jul 2005 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N98730, operated by Mac Dan Aviation, at Caldwell, NJ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing. A factor was a partial loss of engine power, as reported by the pilot, for undetermined reasons.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050810X01194. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.