Probable cause
The pilot's incorrect pitch control during the landing flare, which resulted in a porpoise and hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during the landing touchdown, there were "two small bounces" and then the airplane bounced a third time "hard." The pilot further reported that he was able to taxi the airplane onto a taxiway and subsequently shutdown the engine.
The firewall sustained substantial damage.
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA472 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 10, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Kahului, Hawaii
- Nearest airport
- Kahului (OGG)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N335SP
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2003
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.