Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, during the landing flare, the airplane bounced on the runway several times. The last time that the airplane bounced, the nosewheel landing gear impacted the runway, the front tire ruptured, and the propeller struck the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the firewall. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12CA420 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 27, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Smyrna, Tennessee
- Nearest airport
- Smyrna Airport (MQY)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172M
- N-number
- N80985
- 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.