Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare resulting in a hard, bounced landing.
NTSB analysis
The operator reported that the student pilot was on a solo flight practicing landings. Upon completing uneventful pattern work, the pilot reported executing the landing flare late, resulting in a hard landing and bounce. The pilot did not initiate abort the landing and the airplane “porpoised down the runway”. The lower fuselage of the airplane was substantially damaged during the accident sequence. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24LA398 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 17, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- St. Augustine, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Northeast Florida Rgnl (SGJ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N371RH
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2006
- 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.