Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain pitch control during the landing, resulting in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
In a written statement provided by the flight instructor, the solo student pilot porpoised during the landing, came to a full stop, and taxied to the ramp. A post-flight inspection revealed substantial damage to the firewall, the underside of the fuselage, and the floor under the rudder pedals.
The flight instructor 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 GAA15CA140 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 25, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Traverse City, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Cherry Capital Airport- Traver (KTVC)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172 - S
- N-number
- N195NW
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2011
- 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.