Probable cause
The student pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing.
NTSB analysis
The solo student pilot reported that, after completing maneuvers in the local area, he returned to his home airport and was cleared for a straight-in approach. During touchdown, the nosewheel and propeller struck the runway hard, and the airplane bounced. During the second bounce, he increased power to abort the landing but was unsuccessful due to the damaged nosewheel and propeller. Subsequently, the student pilot stopped the airplane on the runway.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and fuselage.
The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA129 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 26, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Midland, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Midland Intl (MAF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182
- N-number
- N38EE
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1970
- 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.