Textron Aviation Inc 172 N544TH accident near West Mifflin, Pennsylvania

Probable cause

The student pilot’s improper landing flare, and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB analysis

The student pilot reported that at about 8 to 10 ft above the ground the flight instructor shouted “FLARE, FLARE, FLARE!” The volume and intensity of the command startled the student pilot who pulled back sharply on the yoke and the airplane stalled. The flight instructor subsequently took control of the airplane and before he could take corrective action the airplane impacted the ground resulting in substantial damage to the lower fuselage. The flight instructor’s account of the event was similar to the student pilot’s. The operator reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA23LA213 for the full record.