On May 30, 2017, a CESSNA 172 S operated by Scandinavian Aviation Academy Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near El Cajon, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's incorrect landing flare, which resulted in the airplane porpoising upon touchdown. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During the second landing of a solo flight, a student pilot reported that the nose wheel touched the ground first, causing the airplane to porpoise. The pilot applied power and aborted the landing, then completed a normal traffic pattern and landing. The firewall sustained substantial damage.
Accident Description
A solo student pilot was conducting a flight and reported that during the second landing, the nose wheel contacted the ground before the main landing gear. This resulted in a porpoising motion of the airplane. The pilot promptly applied power to abort the landing and subsequently flew a normal traffic pattern, completing a successful landing on the next attempt.
Damage
Post-landing inspection revealed that the firewall had sustained substantial damage. No other damage was reported.
Pilot Report
The student pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
Student/instructed pilotIncorrect use/operation
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)
What happened in the 30 May 2017 CESSNA 172 S accident near El Cajon, CA?
During the second landing of a solo flight, a student pilot reported that the nose wheel touched the ground first, causing the airplane to porpoise. The pilot applied power and aborted the landing, then completed a normal traffic pattern and landing. The firewall sustained substantial damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 30 May 2017 CESSNA 172 S accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 30 May 2017 involved a CESSNA 172 S, operated by Scandinavian Aviation Academy Inc., at El Cajon, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's incorrect landing flare, which resulted in the airplane porpoising upon touchdown.
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