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NTSB Report
December 21, 2017 · Cessna 172 M · N4491R
Monroe, MI
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 21, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Monroe, MI
Aircraft
Cessna 172 M (1975)
Tail Number
N4491R
Operator
Monroe Aviation School of Flight
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA097
The flight instructor reported that the student pilot began to flare for a touch-and-go landing when a wind gust yawed the airplane to the left. He added that the wind "dropped out," and the airplane landed hard with the nose low, which resulted in the nose landing gear collapsing. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 5 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 140° at 6 knots. The flight instructor reported that the wind was variable at 10 knots, gusting to 20 knots. The airplane landed on runway 21.
NTSB Probable Cause
The student pilot’s improper yaw control during the landing flare and the flight instructor’s failure to take remedial action, which resulted in a hard landing.
Full Narrative
The flight instructor reported that, the student pilot began to flare for a touch-and-go landing, when a wind gust yawed the airplane to the left. He added that the wind "dropped out", and the airplane landed hard with the nose low, which resulted in a nose landing gear collapse. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 5 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 140° at 6 knots. The flight instructor reported that the wind was variable at 10 knots, gusting 20 knots. The airplane landed on runway 21.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 EST
Nearest AirportCUSTER (0nm NNE)
Runway21
Runway Length4997 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172 M
Tail NumberN4491R
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMonroe Aviation School of Flight
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D2G · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 64 · Third Class · None
Crew 2Age 21 · First Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 9000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point34 C / 25 C
Altimeter30.17 inHg
Observation Time15:55
Weather SourceWFAC