Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, his intent was to remain in the traffic pattern to practice takeoffs and landings on runway 23. During final approach, he had trouble maintaining alignment with the runway centerline. He applied power to correct the drift; however, the airplane impacted the runway left of centerline. The hard landing resulted in substantial damage to the firewall. The wind at the airport about the time of the accident was from 160 degrees at 9 knots. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12CA439 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 17, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Frederick, Maryland
- Nearest airport
- Frederick (FDK)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172S
- N-number
- N387AF
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.