Probable cause
The pilot's excessive airspeed during landing, which resulted in abnormal runway contact, a runway excursion, and substantial damage to the airplane.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during landing, his airspeed was too high and the airplane bounced. He continued the landing, but the airplane porpoised, and on the third bounce slid off the runway. During the runway excursion, the nose landing gear collapsed and the propeller struck the ground.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation. A postaccident examination revealed that the airplane had sustained substantial damage to the firewall.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA049 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 24, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Clearwater, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Clearwater Air Park (CLW)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172M
- N-number
- N1576V
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1974
- 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.