Cessna 172 N172CN accident near Kapolei, Hawaii

Probable cause

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

NTSB analysis

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.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC24LA010 for the full record.