Probable cause
The student pilot's improper flare resulting in a bounced landing.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot, who was on a solo flight, performed two normal takeoffs and landings; however, on the third landing, the airplane hit the runway hard and bounced. Following the second bounce the student initiated a go-around. The student pilot continued around the traffic pattern and did a “normal” landing. An inspection of the airplane, following the accident, revealed that the propeller tips were slightly damaged, the nosewheel tire was flat, and the firewall area sustained structural damage.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA495 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 4, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- New Braunfels, Texas
- Nearest airport
- New Braunfels Municipal (KBAZ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172S
- N-number
- N401LP
- 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.