Probable cause
The pilot's improper flare. Contributing to the accident were the wind gusts.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while performing a touch-and-go landing, a gust of wind turned the airplane. He stated that he applied some power and straightened the airplane out, but that the airplane came down hard, bouncing several times and collapsing the nose landing gear before the airplane came to a stop. The firewall and fuselage skins showed evidence of buckling.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA217 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 17, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lafayette, Indiana
- Nearest airport
- Purdue University Airport (LAF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172R
- N-number
- N2382R
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.