Cessna 172 N640MG accident near Louisville, Kentucky

Probable cause

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

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that she rented the accident airplane to gain proficiency flying from the right seat and had asked the flight instructor to sit in the left seat during the flight. While maneuvering the airplane through the final approach leg of the traffic pattern, the pilot reported making control adjustments to recover from a low and slow approach to land. She attempted to initiate a go-around, but utilizing muscle memory from flying from the left seat, she inadvertently reduced throttle and pushed the yoke forward resulting in a hard landing. The airplane bounced and the pilot applied full power, after which the flight instructor then took control of the airplane. The flight instructor flew another traffic pattern circuit and landed the airplane without further incident.

The airplane’s floorboards and internal structure were later found to be substantially damaged.

Both the pilot and the flight instructor 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 ERA25LA031 for the full record.