Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot reported that, while on final approach, that he crossed the runway numbers, but waited “too long” to flare the airplane and landed on the main landing gear and nosewheel at the same time. The airplane bounced, and the pilot “realized that [he] had made a very hard landing.” The airplane bounced another three times before coming to a stop. Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the cockpit floor structure and engine firewall. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA22LA021 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 11, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Kennesaw, Georgia
- Nearest airport
- Cobb County Intl-Mccollum Fld (RYY)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172P
- N-number
- N9522L
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1986
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.