Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing.
NTSB analysis
The purpose of the flight was for the solo student pilot to conduct takeoff and landing practice. The student pilot reported that during the soft-field landing, the airplane bounced and began to porpoise. As a result of the hard landing, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine firewall and lower fuselage. The student pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA212 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 24, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Georgetown, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Georgetown Exec (GTU)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172S
- N-number
- N964SP
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1999
- 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.