No fatalities

CESSNA 172R accident at Petaluma, CA, 10 Jul 2021

Petaluma, CA, United States

On July 10, 2021, a CESSNA 172R operated by CHRISTIANSEN AVIATION INC was involved in an aviation accident near Petaluma, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s improper landing flare which resulted in a hard landing following a partial loss of electrical power. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction and hampered visual function. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 14 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper landing flare which resulted in a hard landing following a partial loss of electrical power. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction and hampered visual function.

— NTSB Determination

Contributing factors

PilotLanding flare — Not attained/maintainedMalfunction

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Jul 2021 CESSNA 172R accident near Petaluma, CA?

The pilot’s improper landing flare which resulted in a hard landing following a partial loss of electrical power. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction and hampered visual function.

Were there any fatalities in the 10 Jul 2021 CESSNA 172R accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Jul 2021 involved a CESSNA 172R, operated by CHRISTIANSEN AVIATION INC, at Petaluma, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s improper landing flare which resulted in a hard landing following a partial loss of electrical power. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction and hampered visual function.