Probable cause
The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during a full-stop crosswind landing he flared too high and the airplane bounced during touchdown. After the second bounce the pilot added power for a go-around maneuver as the airplane's left main gear struck the snow bank on the edge of the runway. The airplane immediately pitched nose down, exited the left side of the runway, and impacted terrain, coming to rest inverted. The impact resulted in substantial damage to both wings, the left strut, and the vertical fin and rudder. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He also reported that the accident would not have happened if he had used the proper crosswind correction, had used the proper flare and landing technique, or if he had earlier decided to go-around.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14CA186 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 21, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Marine City, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Marine City (76G)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172N
- N-number
- N739RX
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1978
- 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.