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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

July 5, 2023 · Cessna 172R · N64AF

Burlington, VT

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 5, 2023
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Burlington, VT
Aircraft
Cessna 172R (1997)
Tail Number
N64AF
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN23LA292

According to the flight instructor, the student pilot was a little high on the final approach for the short field landing, which resulted in a steeper approach. Before touchdown, the student decreased the pitch attitude, and there was little to no flare. The airplane landed flat, bounced, then hit the nosewheel first as they touched down and bounced a second time. During the second bounce, both pilots heard a noise, the student felt a vibration in the rudder pedals, and initiated a go-around. The flight instructor assumed control of the airplane during climb out and confirmed there were no anomalies with the rudder system before transferring the controls back to the student. During the next landing, the flight instructor stated that the student flared a little high and the airplane ballooned before touchdown. During the landing roll, the airplane veered to the right and neither pilot was able to maintain directional control. The nose landing gear collapsed as both pilots applied the brakes. The airplane impacted a taxiway light and came to rest on the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and lower fuselage at the nose landing gear support structure. Based on the pilot’s statements it is likely the nose landing gear was compromised during the first landing attempt. The flight instructor reported that there were no anomalies with the airplane before the first landing. He added that the accident could have been prevented if they had performed a go-around if a stabilized approach was not established.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.

Full Narrative

According to the flight instructor, the student pilot was a little high on the final approach for the short field landing, which resulted in a steeper approach. Before touch down, the student decreased the pitch attitude, and there was little to no flare. The airplane landed flat, bounced, then hit the nosewheel first as they touched down and bounced a second time. During the second bounce, both pilots heard a noise, the student felt a vibration in the rudder pedals, and initiated a go-around. The flight instructor assumed control of the airplane during climb out and confirmed there were no anomalies with the rudder system before transferring the controls back to the student. During the next landing, the flight instructor stated that the student flared a little high and the airplane ballooned before touchdown. During the landing roll, the airplane veered to the right and neither pilot was able to maintain directional control. The nose landing gear collapsed as both pilots applied the brakes. The airplane impacted a taxiway light and came to rest on the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and lower fuselage at the nose landing gear support structure. Based on the pilot’s statements it is likely the nose landing gear was compromised during the first landing attempt. The flight instructor reported that there were no anomalies with the airplane before the first landing. He added that the accident could have been prevented if they had performed a go-around if a stabilized approach was not established.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:45 EDT
Nearest AirportBurlington International Airpo (0nm N)
Runway01
Runway Length4112 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172R
Tail NumberN64AF
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-L2A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 20 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 56 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter29.93 inHg
Observation Time15:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data