Cessna 172RG N9440D accident near Waterville, Maine

Probable cause

The student pilot’s incorrect landing flare, which resulted in a hard bounced landing and nose landing gear collapse.

NTSB analysis

The solo student pilot reported that following performing maneuvers in the local area he returned to the airport to complete touch-and-go landings. He had completed four landings and remained in the pattern for his fifth landing, in which he planned to do a soft field landing. Upon touchdown, the pilot described that a “hard bounce” sent the airplane back into the air. When the airplane touched down again, the nose landing gear collapsed and the airplane skidded to a stop on the runway. The fuselage and rudder sustained substantial damage. The student pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA22LA183 for the full record.