Probable cause
The student pilot's inadequate flare which resulted in a hard landing, loss of directional control, and a runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The solo student pilot reported that on his second supervised solo landing touchdown, the airplane landed flat and firm. He further reported that the airplane "roared" then veered off the runway to the left, and stopped abruptly after the nose wheel became stuck in mud.
The student pilot further reported that he may have accidently advanced the throttle after he was pushed forward during the flat landing.
According to the student pilot there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
A postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the firewall.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA245 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 18, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Carbondale, Illinois
- Nearest airport
- Southern Illinois (MDH)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N4668G
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- 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.