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NTSB Report

March 4, 2013 · Cessna 172P · N89847

Bardstown, KY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 4, 2013
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Bardstown, KY
Aircraft
Cessna 172P
Tail Number
N89847
Operator
Eastern Kentucky University
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA13CA154

According to the student pilot, who was on his first solo cross-country flight, wind at the destination airport was from 120 degrees at 6 knots, so he chose to land on runway 20. Abeam the intended point of landing, the student pilot reduced power, added 10 degrees of flaps, and obtained the desired descent airspeed. He maintained that airspeed on the base leg, and, turning onto final, noted that the airplane was high. The student pilot then lowered the flaps completely while continuing to maintain the desired approach airspeed. The student pilot stated that, shortly afterward, the airplane “ballooned,” and then “dropped immediately” and impacted the runway in a nose-low attitude. He reported that the stall warning horn sounded from "slightly before” the airplane “ballooned” until it impacted the runway. The student pilot did not report any preexisting preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Postflight examinations revealed a collapsed nose landing gear and firewall damage.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Landing flare-Incorrect use/operation - C

Full Narrative

According to the dispatching flight instructor, the student pilot was on his first solo cross country flight. According to the student pilot, wind at the single-runway destination airport was from 120 degrees at 6 knots, so he chose to land on runway 20. Abeam the intended point of landing, the student pilot reduced power, added 10 degrees of flaps, and obtained the desired descent airspeed. He maintained that airspeed on the base leg, and turning onto final, noted that the airplane was high. The student pilot then lowered the flaps completely while continuing to maintain the desired approach airspeed. Once over the runway, the airplane “ballooned,” then "dropped immediately" and impacted the runway in a nose-low attitude, with the stall warning horn sounding from “slightly before” the balloon until impact. The student pilot did not report any preexisting mechanical anomalies with the airplane, while a postflight examination of it revealed a collapsed nose landing gear and firewall damage.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:15 EST
Nearest AirportBardstown (0nm)
Runway20
Runway Length5003 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172P
Tail NumberN89847
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 (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 19 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 6 kt
Visibility6 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 7000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data