Probable cause
The student pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a porpoised landing.
NTSB analysis
The solo student pilot reported that during the landing flare, the airplane encountered a wind gust and began to porpoise on the runway. The student pilot further reported that the nose wheel collapsed, the airplane skidded off the runway to the left, and nosed over.
The fuselage, vertical stabilizer, and both wings sustained substantial damage.
The student pilot did not report any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane would have precluded normal operation.
An automated weather observing system 14 nautical miles from the accident airport, about the time of the accident, reported the wind at 160 degrees true at 12 knots. The student pilot reported that he landed on runway 13.
The student pilot failed to submit the National Transportation Safety Board Form 6120.1 Pilot/ Operator Aircraft Accident/ Incident Report.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA080 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 19, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Woodbine, New Jersey
- Nearest airport
- Woodbine Muni (OBI)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N5249R
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1974
- 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.