On November 8, 2004, about 2215 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172N, N8077E, registered to a private individual and operated by Avion Air Academy, experienced a hard landing at the Orlando-Sanford International Airport, Sanford, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and an instrument flight rules flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, from Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, Lakeland, Florida, to Orlando-Sanford International Airport. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private-rated pilot and two passengers were not injured. The flight originated about 2130, from the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport. The pilot stated that while on final approach to runway 9L when the flight was approximately 25 feet, he manipulated the throttle, but it appeared the throttle was stuck in a position which was insufficient to perform a go-around. The airplane contacted the runway causing the emergency locator transmitter (ELT) to activate. The pilot advised air traffic control of the ELT activation and taxied the airplane to the ramp where he secured the airplane. He reported the ELT activation on the aircraft discrepancy log sheet. The postaccident inspection of the aircraft was conducted by Avion Aviation Maintenance on November 9, 2004, without FAA or NTSB oversight. The inspection consisted of a visual engine inspection, and freedom of movement of the throttle control system. The throttle and mixture controls were found free and smooth and no defects were noted. The National Transportation Safety Board was notified of the accident on November 19, 2004.