7 May 2011: CESSNA 172C

7 May 2011: CESSNA 172C — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Grants Pass, OR, United States

Probable cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed on approach, which resulted in a hard landing.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The student pilot stated that he was practicing short field landings and configured the airplane with full flaps on the approach. The student pilot reduced power too early for the airplane configuration, which caused a loss of airspeed and a subsequent hard landing. During annual maintenance, a mechanic noted that the firewall was bent. The student pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

  • cause Student pilot
  • cause Airspeed — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Incorrect use/operation

Conditions

Weather
VMC, vis 10sm

Related events

Same aircraft

  • 20 Feb 2025 — CESSNA 172C (—)
  • 20 Oct 2023 — CESSNA 172C (Personal)
  • 9 Dec 2017 — CESSNA 172C (—)
  • 15 Aug 2015 — CESSNA 172C (Skipper R. Smith)
  • 15 Mar 2015 — CESSNA 172C (R A MARSH FLYING CLUB LLC)

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