On 18 Aug 2020, a Cessna 172 S operated by Westwind School of Aeronautics LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Phoenix, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper pitch attitude and landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructors delayed remedial action. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 13 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a short field landing practice, the student pilot misjudged the touchdown point and flared early, resulting in a hard landing that caused substantial damage to the fuselage aft of the nose wheel.
Accident Details
The accident occurred while a pilot receiving instruction was practicing a short field landing. According to reports, the pilot misjudged the touchdown location and flared early, causing the airplane to land hard. The flight instructor stated that he warned the pilot to maintain his pitch attitude, but the pilot continued to flare, leading to the hard landing.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage aft of the nose wheel as a result of the hard landing.
Mechanical Condition
The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
Causes
Landing flare — Not attained/maintainedPitch control — Not attained/maintainedPilot