Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain proper airspeed on approach in tailwind conditions, which resulted in an extended touchdown, bounced landing, and runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot landed with a tailwind and had a higher-than-normal approach speed. The airplane landed long, bounced, and went off the runway. The airplane struck a taxiway light resulting in substantial damage to the left horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that the airplane had no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA22LA087 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 12, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hazleton, Pennsylvania
- Nearest airport
- Hazleton Rgnl (HZL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172S
- N-number
- N215LP
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2002
- 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.