6 Aug 2009: CESSNA 172S

6 Aug 2009: CESSNA 172S — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Bluffton, OH, United States

Probable cause

The student pilot's failure to compensate for wind conditions and maintain aircraft control during the landing.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The airplane experienced a hard landing after encountering a gust of wind just prior to the landing flare during a student solo flight. The student pilot reported that during the touchdown, the left main landing gear and nose landing gear impacted the runway. Unknown that the airplane was damaged, the student pilot executed a touch-and-go and flew the airplane back to his home airport. Examination of the airplane revealed the firewall was buckled, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane.

Contributing factors

  • cause Response/compensation
  • cause Landing flare — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Performance/control parameters — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Pilot

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 330/07kt, vis 10sm

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