Probable cause
The student pilot’s improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot reported that he was completing his first solo cross-country flight. At the destination airport, he performed one go-around because the airplane was too high. He performed a second go-around as the airplane was not aligned with the runway. During the third attempt, he flared too high. The airplane subsequently landed hard and bounced four times before coming to rest on the runway. The student pilot added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunction. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that it was substantially damaged due to two fractured engine mounts. Damage to the nosegear and propeller was also observed.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA22LA339 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 22, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Salisbury, Maryland
- Nearest airport
- Salisbury Regional Airport (SBY)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
V1
- N-number
- N979DS
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2019
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.