Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate recovery from a bounced landing.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot approached the runway with a slightly higher than normal approach speed, which resulted in the airplane bouncing several times on the runway before coming to a full stop. Examination of the airplane revealed the firewall was wrinkled and the nose gear was bent. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane and that a go-around should have been performed.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA458 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 18, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- New Braunfels, Texas
- Nearest airport
- New Braunfels (BAZ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172M
- N-number
- N5556S
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.