Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate flare that resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, as he approached the runway to land and crossed the temporary threshold, he configured the airplane in a level attitude. Upon touchdown, the airplane impacted the runway hard and bounced. The pilot pushed the yoke forward and the airplane bounced a second time, resulting in substantial damage to the firewall. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11CA147 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 15, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Daytona Beach, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Daytona Beach International (DAB)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172S
- N-number
- N378FA
- 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.