6 Apr 2017: CESSNA 172 S — Coast Flight Training.

6 Apr 2017: CESSNA 172 S — Coast Flight Training.

No fatalities • San Marcos, TX, United States

Probable cause

The student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The solo student pilot reported that, during the landing flare he "pulled aft yoke" which resulted in a "substantial balloon." He added that, he "unconsciously pushed forward yoke resulting in a very hard flat or nose wheel first lading".

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and fuselage.

The student pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

  • cause Landing flare — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Student/instructed pilot

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 160/04kt, vis 10sm

Related events

Same aircraft

  • 22 Apr 2026 — CESSNA 172N (ANDERSON AVIATION SERVICES INC)
  • 20 Apr 2026 — CESSNA 172S (VISTA AVIATION INC)
  • 19 Apr 2026 — CESSNA 172P (JEPPESEN EMPLOYEES FLYING ASSOCIATION)
  • 16 Apr 2026 — CESSNA 172 K (Top Aviation Services)
  • 13 Apr 2026 — CESSNA 172S (CHRISTIANSEN AVIATION LLC)

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