Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in damage to the engine firewall.
NTSB analysis
After a preflight inspection revealed no anomalies, the private pilot departed on a local flight. Shortly after takeoff, he elected to return to the departure airport due to adverse weather nearby. He entered the airport traffic pattern and while on final approach with the flaps extended 30°, the airplane encountered a wind gust, which caused the airplane to balloon. The pilot executed a go-around and entered the traffic pattern for the same runway, but he only extended the flaps to 10°. He reported that the touchdown was soft and on the runway numbers. He then taxied to parking and secured the airplane. Surveillance video footage showed the pilot inspecting the propeller after disembarking.
Postaccident examination of the airplane, which had not moved or been operated since being returned by the pilot, revealed damage to the propeller and firewall; therefore, it is likely that the damage was sustained during the pilot's landing due to an improper landing flare.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA17LA095 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 26, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Clearwater, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Clearwater Airpark (CLW)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N2382R
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1999
- 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.