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Hard Landing During Short Field Training Flight

Lancaster, CA, United States

On February 13, 2011, a CESSNA 172 operated by Noel Murphy was involved in an aviation accident near Lancaster, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's improper flare which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the certified flight instructor's delayed remedial action. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During short field practice, a student pilot leveled the airplane too high on approach and, when instructed to add power, reduced power and lowered the nose, resulting in a hard landing. The firewall sustained substantial damage.

Accident Sequence

The certificated flight instructor (CFI) reported that the student pilot was practicing short field procedures and had completed several uneventful landings. As they approached the runway, the CFI noted that the student had leveled the airplane too high. The CFI instructed the student pilot to add power, but the student pilot instead reduced power and lowered the nose. Subsequently, the airplane landed hard.

Instructor Actions

The CFI stated that he immediately took control of the airplane after touchdown, bringing it to a stop on the runway. The CFI reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall during the accident sequence.

Contributing factors

Causes

Incorrect use/operationStudent pilot

Other contributing factors

Instructor/check pilot

Related events

Same aircraft family

  • 24 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172B
  • 23 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172
  • 18 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172
  • 16 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172M (CK Aviation LLC)
  • 9 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172
  • 8 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172N
  • 7 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172N (Tin Cup Investments INC)
  • 24 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172M
  • 21 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172P (Vascular Wings LLC)
  • 18 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172L (Ocala Aviation Services INC)
  • 16 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172L (Foothill Aircraft Sales and Service Inc.)
  • 9 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172N (Kimber 123 Holdings LLC)

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Feb 2011 CESSNA 172 accident near Lancaster, CA?

During short field practice, a student pilot leveled the airplane too high on approach and, when instructed to add power, reduced power and lowered the nose, resulting in a hard landing. The firewall sustained substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Feb 2011 CESSNA 172 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Feb 2011 involved a CESSNA 172, operated by Noel Murphy, at Lancaster, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's improper flare which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the certified flight instructor's delayed remedial action.

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