Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain attitude control during landing flare.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot reported that he took off and maneuvered into the left traffic pattern. On final, the airplane was configured with 30 degrees of flaps with an approach speed of 70 knots. His flight instructor who was observing noted that during his first landing the nose wheel came in contact with the surface first, then his two main wheels, subsequently the airplane porpoised three times, the student pilot initiated a go-around, and landed without further incident. As a result of the hard landing, the flight instructor conducted a post flight inspection of the engine and airframe, substantial damage to the firewall was discovered.
The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA026 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 28, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Vernal, Utah
- Nearest airport
- Vernal Rgnl (VEL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172S
- N-number
- N2168D
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2004
- 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.