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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

September 25, 2012 · Cessna 172P · N53720

Richmond, KY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 25, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Richmond, KY
Aircraft
Cessna 172P
Tail Number
N53720
Operator
Eastern Kentucky University
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA12CA579

According to the flight instructor, while conducting touch-and-go takeoffs and landings with a student pilot, they made a “stabilized” approach to the runway with an increase in engine power due to a strong headwind. The student pilot flared the airplane high, and the airplane descended rapidly. The flight instructor took control of the airplane and added full engine power, but the airplane subsequently impacted the runway. The instructor continued with another takeoff, they flew around the pattern, and the student pilot made a full-stop landing and taxied back to the hangar. The instructor asked maintenance personnel to check the airplane before the next scheduled flight. The postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the firewall incurred substantial damage. The flight instructor reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing, and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the student.

Full Narrative

According to the flight instructor, while conducting touch and go takeoffs and landings with a student pilot, they made a “stabilized” approach to the runway with an increase in engine power due to a strong headwind. The student pilot flared the airplane “high,” and the airplane descended rapidly. The flight instructor took control of the airplane, added full engine power, but the airplane subsequently impacted the runway. Then, flight instructor continued with another takeoff, they flew around the pattern, the student pilot made a full stop landing, taxied back to the hangar and the instructor pilot asked maintenance personnel to check the airplane before the next scheduled flight. The post-accident examination of the airplane revealed that the firewall incurred substantial damage. The flight instructor reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:06 EDT
Nearest AirportMADISON (1nm)
Runway18
Runway Length4404 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172P
Tail NumberN53720
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorEastern Kentucky University
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 27 · Third Class · None
Crew 2Age 19 · None
Crew 3Age 19 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59 / 45 C
Altimeter30.11 inHg
Observation Time13:05
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data