Probable cause
The student pilot's improper flare during landing which resulted in abnormal runway contact and damage to the firewall.
NTSB analysis
The solo student pilot reported that the airspeed was too fast during the landing flare. The airplane bounced on the nose wheel landing gear twice and the nose wheel lost air pressure. A postflight inspection revealed substantial damage to the firewall.
The pilot reported he should have gone around after the first bounce.
The student pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA162 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 3, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lubbock, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Lubbock Preston Smith Intl (LBB)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172N
- N-number
- N6326J
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1980
- 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.