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NTSB Report
April 30, 2018 · Cessna 172 S · N254EK
Palo Alto, CA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 30, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Palo Alto, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 172 S (2011)
Tail Number
N254EK
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA294
The pilot reported that, during short final, he noticed "a sudden lack of wind," and the airplane began to descend. He added that the airplane landed hard and bounced multiple times. He taxied back to the parking ramp without further incident. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane rental company owner reported that the pilot did not notify any personnel of the hard, bounded landing. He added that, during a later flight, the airplane owner noticed a vibration and landed to examine the airplane. Postflight examination revealed propeller damage and substantial damage to the fuselage.
NTSB Probable Cause
Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Landing flare-Not attained/maintained - C
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that, during short final, he noticed "a sudden lack of wind" and the airplane began to descend. He added that the airplane landed hard and bounced multiple times. He taxied back to the parking ramp without further incident. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The owner of the airplane rental company reported that the pilot did not notify any personnel of the hard, bounded landing. He added that, during a later flight, the owner of the airplane noticed a vibration and landed to examine the airplane. Postflight examination revealed propeller damage and substantial damage to the fuselage.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:40 PDT
Nearest AirportPALOALTO (0nm E)
Runway31
Runway Length2443 ft
Runway Width70 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172 S
Tail NumberN254EK
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-L2A · Reciprocating
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 32 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.06 inHg
Observation Time02:47
Weather SourceWFAC