Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during the landing flare, the airplane contacted the runway hard and bounced twice before he was able land and bring the airplane to a stop near the departure end of the runway. The airplane’s lower fuselage was substantially damaged during the accident sequence. The pilot 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 ERA26LA281 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 18, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mooresville, North Carolina
- Nearest airport
- Lake Norman Airpark (14A)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172N
- N-number
- N3462E
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1978
- 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.