No fatalities

Student Pilot Experiences Hard Landing After Gust of Wind

Bluffton, OH, United States

On May 30, 2014, a CESSNA 172P P operated by PEGASUS AVIATION GROUP LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Bluffton, OH. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control, 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.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot reported a hard landing after a gust of wind lifted the right wing, causing the aircraft to veer left. The airplane sustained damage to a tire, propeller, and firewall.

Incident Overview

A student pilot encountered difficulties during a landing attempt when a gust of wind lifted the right wing, causing the airplane to move left. The pilot stated that he did not properly execute the flare while attempting to realign the aircraft with the runway, resulting in a hard landing.

Damage and Conditions

The hard landing caused a blown tire, as well as damage to the propeller and firewall. The pilot reported no pre-mishap mechanical deficiencies, indicating that the aircraft was functioning normally before the incident.

Pilot Actions

The student pilot was in the process of landing when the gust of wind affected the aircraft's attitude. In response to the unexpected movement, he tried to realign the airplane but failed to flare adequately, leading to the hard touchdown.

Outcome

The aircraft sustained damage to multiple components, but no further details about injuries or the extent of repairs were provided in the source.

Contributing factors

Causes

Student/instructed pilotLanding flare — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Effect on operation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 May 2014 CESSNA 172P P accident near Bluffton, OH?

A student pilot reported a hard landing after a gust of wind lifted the right wing, causing the aircraft to veer left. The airplane sustained damage to a tire, propeller, and firewall.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 May 2014 CESSNA 172P P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 May 2014 involved a CESSNA 172P P, operated by PEGASUS AVIATION GROUP LLC, at Bluffton, OH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control, which resulted in a hard landing.