CESSNA 172
Winchester, VA — August 30, 2016
Event Information
| Date | August 30, 2016 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA16CA460 |
| Event ID | 20160901X61053 |
| Location | Winchester, VA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 39.14361, -78.14445 |
| Airport | WINCHESTER RGNL |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | CESSNA |
| Model | 172 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The student pilot's incorrect pitch control during the landing flare, which resulted in a porpoise, a loss of directional control, and a runway excursion.
Full Narrative
The solo student pilot reported that the airplane ballooned during the landing flare and touched down beyond the planned touchdown point. He further reported that the airplane porpoised and on the third bounce he felt a vibration. Subsequently, the airplane departed the runway to the left and stopped in grass next to the runway.
The firewall sustained substantial damage.
The student pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.