Cessna 172R N824KS accident near Salina, Kansas

Probable cause

The flight instructor's improper flare in gusty wind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB analysis

The flight instructor and student pilot were practicing takeoffs and landings. During the climb after a stop-and-go landing on the 4,300 foot long runway, the flight instructor reduced the engine power to idle to demonstrate a simulated engine-out landing to the student pilot. The flight instructor reported that the airplane made a rapid descent from about 200 feet above ground level, and then he flared too high; the airplane landed hard on the runway, substantially damaging the airplane’s firewall. The flight instructor stated that the wind at the time was from about 10 degrees left of the runway heading at 28 knots, gusting to 33 knots. The flight instructor reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12CA624 for the full record.