Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and a subsequent loss of directional control.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, as he began to flare for landing, the airplane started “ballooning.” The airplane subsequently landed hard, veered off the runway and struck a ditch. The nose landing gear was displaced into the engine firewall, and the underside of the forward fuselage was buckled. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24LA260 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 30, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Greensboro, North Carolina
- Nearest airport
- Piedmont Triad Intl (GSO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172G
- N-number
- N3687L
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1965
- 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.