Probable cause
The pilot’s excessive speed and improper landing flare which resulted in abnormal runway contact, porpoising, and substantial damage.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, he was too fast on his final approach to land. He bounced hard multiple times before he finally landed. He then taxied to the fixed base operator on the field. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector revealed that the propeller tips, firewall, forward fuselage, and cabin floor were substantially damaged.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA21LA301 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 19, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Rochester, New York
- Nearest airport
- Frederick Douglass - Greater R (ROC)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N489MA
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1998
- 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.