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December 12, 2023 · Cessna 172 · N172CN

Kapolei, HI

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 12, 2023
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Kapolei, HI
Aircraft
Cessna 172 (2020)
Tail Number
N172CN
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC24LA010

The first pilot, seated in the left seat, and the second pilot, seated in the right seat, both flight instructors, reported that the purpose of the flight was to accumulate additional flight time and practice various flight maneuvers. The first pilot reported that while she was performing a simulated, power-off, 180° landing to Runway 4L, adjacent to a large military airplane operating in the traffic pattern of a parallel runway, the accident airplane began a rapid descent while on short final. To arrest the rapid descent, the first pilot said she initiated a go-around by applying full engine power, but the rapid descend continued, and the airplane touched down hard before becoming airborne again. Airport wind conditions at the time of the accident were reported to be, 120°, at 10 knots, with peak gusts to 17 knots, which translates to a quartering, right tailwind. The second pilot reported that, prior to the accident sequence, as the approach to Runway 4L continued, the first pilot decided to lower the nose to gain airspeed and enter ground effect. The second pilot stated that, as the airplane passed through 75 to 50 ft above the runway, the airplane encountered an unusual sink rate, and he reacted by pulling back on the yoke as he yelled “flare” just before the airplane touched down hard. The second pilot reported that the airplane subsequently touched down hard, bounced back into the air, and the first pilot then initiated a go-around. After establishing a climb on the go-around, the first pilot transferred control to the second pilot, who subsequently performed a precautionary full-stop landing to check for damage. During the landing roll, the nose wheel deflated, and the airplane came to a stop on the runway, disabled. A post-flight inspection revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and fuselage. The pilots reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The first pilot’s failure to maintain a stabilized approach, in gusty crosswind conditions, in an environment favoring wake turbulence.

Full Narrative

The first pilot, seated in the left seat, and the second pilot, seated in the right seat, both flight instructors, reported that the purpose of the flight was to accumulate additional flight time and practice various flight maneuvers. The first pilot reported that while she was performing a simulated, power-off, 180° landing to Runway 4L, adjacent to a large military airplane operating in the traffic pattern of a parallel runway, the accident airplane began a rapid descent while on short final. To arrest the rapid descent, the first pilot said she initiated a go-around by applying full engine power, but the rapid descend continued, and the airplane touched down hard before becoming airborne again. Airport wind conditions at the time of the accident were reported to be, 120°, at 10 knots, with peak gusts to 17 knots, which translates to a quartering, right tailwind. The second pilot reported that, prior to the accident sequence, as the approach to Runway 4L continued, the first pilot decided to lower the nose to gain airspeed and enter ground effect. The second pilot stated that, as the airplane passed through 75 to 50 ft above the runway, the airplane encountered an unusual sink rate, and he reacted by pulling back on the yoke as he yelled “flare” just before the airplane touched down hard. The second pilot reported that the airplane subsequently touched down hard, bounced back into the air, and the first pilot then initiated a go-around. After establishing a climb on the go-around, the first pilot transferred control to the second pilot, who subsequently performed a precautionary full-stop landing to check for damage. During the landing roll, the nose wheel deflated, and the airplane came to a stop on the runway, disabled. A post-flight inspection revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and fuselage. The pilots reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 HST
Nearest AirportKalaeloa Airport - John Rodger (0nm N)
Runway4L
Runway Length4500 ft
Runway Width200 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172
Tail NumberN172CN
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 19 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 10 kt, gusting 17 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.99 inHg
Observation Time13:59
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data