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NTSB Report
January 31, 2016 · Cessna 172 R · N35079
Merritt Island, FL
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 31, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Merritt Island, FL
Aircraft
Cessna 172 R (2001)
Tail Number
N35079
Operator
30 West
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA16CA114
The student pilot reported that during landing on his third solo flight, the approach to the runway was high and fast, and that during touchdown, the nose wheel touched first resulting in a porpoise. During the porpoise, the airplane drifted to the left and the pilot elected to abort the landing. He advanced the throttle to full power, which increased the yaw to the left. The airplane exited the runway to the left, impacted a ditch, and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left lift strut, empennage, and fuselage. The student pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Landing flare-Not attained/maintained - C
Full Narrative
The student pilot reported that during landing on his third solo flight, the approach to the runway was high and fast, and that during touchdown, the nose wheel touched first resulting in a porpoise. During the porpoise, the airplane drifted to the left and the pilot elected to abort the landing. He advanced the throttle to full power, which increased the yaw to the left. The airplane exited the runway to the left, impacted a ditch, and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left lift strut, empennage, and fuselage. The student pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 EST
Nearest AirportMerritt Island (0nm W)
Runway11
Runway Length3601 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172 R
Tail NumberN35079
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operator30 West
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 58 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 55
Altimeter30.17 inHg
Observation Time15:58
Weather SourceWFAC