Probable cause
The student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and porpoise.
NTSB analysis
According to the flight instructor who observed the student pilot's first solo flight from the ground, the airplane landed hard and porpoised due to the student pilot's improper flare.
A postaccident examination revealed the airplane had sustained substantial damage to the aileron and elevator systems and the firewall.
The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA104 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 24, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Palm Coast, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Flagler Executive (FIN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N1289Y
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2005
- 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.