Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain pitch control, resulting in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot reported that during the landing flare, he landed hard. He reported that he performed a go-around and then landed without further incident. A post flight inspection revealed substantial damage to the firewall.
The operator reported 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 GAA15CA058 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 17, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Tamuning
- Nearest airport
- Guam Intl (GUM)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172P
- N-number
- N9853L
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1986
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
Other records under this N-number
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.