Probable cause
The pilot’s improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
During the final approach to the runway, the pilot flared too high. He stated that as he released back pressure on the flight controls and added power, the nose of the airplane dropped and hit the runway hard. An examination of the airplane revealed that the firewall was wrinkled. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical anomalies or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12CA620 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 9, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Phillipsburg, Ohio
- Nearest airport
- Phillipsburg Airport (K3I7)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172H
- N-number
- N2484L
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.