Probable cause
The failure of the student pilot to maintain pitch control while landing, which resulted in a hard landing, loss of directional control, and runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The solo student pilot reported that the airplane bounced after touched down, then veered off the runway to the left and came to a stop in gravel.
A postaccident exam revealed substantial damage to the firewall.
According to the student pilot there were 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 GAA16CA187 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 6, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Scottsdale, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Scottsdale (SDL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N6023V
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2006
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.