On August 3, 2006, a Cessna 172M (registration N20965) operated by MC Air Aviation Services Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Augusta, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's delayed initiation of the landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot initiated a landing flare too high, causing a hard impact that buckled the engine firewall and cockpit floor upon shutdown.
What happened
The incident occurred during the final phase of flight when a student pilot was operating an aircraft. During the approach to land, the pilot delayed the initiation of the landing flare until the airplane was approximately 50 feet above the runway surface. This late transition resulted in a hard landing impact.
Following the touchdown, the pilot brought the airplane to a stop and executed a standard engine shutdown procedure. The aircraft was subsequently towed to the parking ramp for further inspection.
The investigation
A physical examination of the airframe was conducted after the incident. The inspection revealed significant structural deformation in the forward fuselage area. Specifically, the engine firewall and the cockpit floor were found to be buckled due to the forces generated by the hard landing.
Probable cause
The student pilot's delayed initiation of the landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 3 Aug 2006 Cessna 172M accident near Augusta, GA?
A student pilot initiated a landing flare too high, causing a hard impact that buckled the engine firewall and cockpit floor upon shutdown.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Aug 2006 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N20965, operated by MC Air Aviation Services Inc., at Augusta, GA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's delayed initiation of the landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
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