On July 17, 2013, a CESSNA 172S operated by Royal Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Barbra, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During landing practice, a student pilot executed a go-around on the first approach and landed hard on the second, resulting in a propeller strike and substantial damage to the airframe.
Incident Overview
A student pilot experienced a hard landing during her second approach, causing the propeller to strike the runway. The incident occurred after she had executed a go-around on her first approach because she felt the airplane was too high.
Sequence of Events
According to the operator, the student pilot was on her first approach for landing when she determined the aircraft was too high and initiated a go-around. On the second approach, the airplane landed hard, and the propeller struck the runway surface.
Postaccident Examination
An examination of the airframe following the incident revealed a damaged propeller. Additionally, substantial damage was found to the firewall and fuselage floor. The operator reported that there were no known or reported mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
PilotLanding flare — Not attained/maintained
Related events
Same aircraft family
18 Jul 2026 — CESSNA 172N
3 Jul 2026 — CESSNA 172
30 Jun 2026 — CESSNA 172M
29 Jun 2026 — CESSNA 172L (Triad Aviation Academy LLC)
26 Jun 2026 — CESSNA 172
24 Jun 2026 — CESSNA 172 (Cornerstone Aviation)
23 Jun 2026 — CESSNA 172S (American Aviation INC)
17 Jun 2026 — CESSNA 172S
12 Jun 2026 — CESSNA 172
11 Jun 2026 — CESSNA 172S (Golf November Aero LLC)