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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

October 2, 2003 · Cessna 172S · N350ME

Seattle, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 2, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Seattle, WA
Aircraft
Cessna 172S
Tail Number
N350ME
Operator
Galvin Flying Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA04LA002

The student pilot reported that when he turned to final approach, he realized that he was too high. The pilot pitched the nose down, but did not reduce power. Airspeed increased, and the pilot decided to slip the aircraft to slow down. The aircraft eventually got down to the VASI glide slope, but had an excessive airspeed for the landing. The aircraft touched down in a flat attitude and ballooned. The pilot pitched the nose down and the aircraft touched down on the nose gear and bounced. The pilot pitched the nose down and again the aircraft touched down on the nose gear and bounced. The aircraft eventually settled to the runway and the pilot applied braking action and pulled off the runway to conclude the flight. Post accident inspection of the aircraft revealed that the firewall had been substantially damaged.

NTSB Probable Cause

Improper flare during the landing. Excessive airspeed and improper remedial action were factors.

Full Narrative

On October 2, 2003, about 1640 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172S, N350ME, registered to a private individual and operated by Galvin Flying Service as a 14 CFR Part 91 solo instructional flight, was substantially damaged during landing at Boeing Field, Seattle, Washington. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was field for the local flight. The student pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. In a written statement, the student pilot reported that he took off on runway 13 left with the intent on staying in the pattern to practice touch-and-go landings. The student stated that while on downwind, he was cleared to land. The student reduced power and extended one notch of flaps. Base and final approach turns were made with additional power reduction and flap extension. The student pilot stated that when he turned to final approach, he realized that he was too high. The student lowered the nose of the aircraft, but did not reduce power. Airspeed began to increase and the student attempted to "slip to slow down." The student eventually got the aircraft on the VASI glide slope, but had an indicated airspeed of 75 knots. The student pilot then reduced power and continued to land with 70 to 75 knots airspeed. The aircraft touched down in a flat attitude with excessive airspeed and ballooned. The pilot pitched the nose down and the aircraft touched down on the nose gear and bounced. The student pitched the aircraft down and again the aircraft touched down on the nose gear and bounced. The aircraft finally settled to the runway and the pilot applied braking action and eventually pulled off the runway. The student pilot then taxied back to the fixed base operator to conclude the flight. On October 9, 2003, representatives from Galvin Flying service reported that the firewall sustained substantial damage.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:40 PDT
Nearest AirportBoeing Field/King Co Intl (0nm)
Runway13L
Runway Length10001 ft
Runway Width200 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172S
Tail NumberN350ME
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGalvin Flying Service
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-L2A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 35 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2300 ft
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 54
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time23:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data