Paraglider Crash in Puente Alto Injures Pilot and Passenger
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
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CESSNA 172 N accident at San Marcos, TX, 7 Jan 2026
On January 7, 2026, a CESSNA 172 N operated by US Aviation Academy was involved in an aviation accident near San Marcos, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The flight instructor’s failure to properly configure the elevator trim for the takeoff, that resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s failure to follow the before takeoff checklist. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 17 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
The flight instructor’s failure to properly configure the elevator trim for the takeoff, that resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s failure to follow the before takeoff checklist.
— NTSB Determination
Contributing factors
Instructor/check pilotIncorrect use/operation
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 7 Jan 2026 CESSNA 172 N accident near San Marcos, TX?
The flight instructor’s failure to properly configure the elevator trim for the takeoff, that resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s failure to follow the before takeoff checklist.
Were there any fatalities in the 7 Jan 2026 CESSNA 172 N accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Jan 2026 involved a CESSNA 172 N, operated by US Aviation Academy, at San Marcos, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The flight instructor’s failure to properly configure the elevator trim for the takeoff, that resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s failure to follow the before takeoff checklist.
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