Probable cause
The student pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control and subsequent runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot was on a solo cross-country flight and was landing at the destination airport. While on final approach, he was high, so he reduced power. Upon touchdown, the airplane bounced several times (airport security camera video showed the airplane bouncing on the runway with increasing severity). The pilot attempted to recover but lost directional control of the airplane. The airplane nosed over after traveling off the right side of the runway resulting in substantial damage to the airplane’s wings and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24LA181 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 15, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Shelbyville, Tennessee
- Nearest airport
- Bomar Fld/Shelbyville Muni (SYI)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172M
- N-number
- N73605
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.