Probable cause
The student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The solo student pilot reported that, during the landing flare, he "pulled aft yoke," which resulted in a "substantial balloon." He added that he "unconsciously pushed forward yoke resulting in a very hard flat or nose wheel first landing."
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and fuselage.
The student pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA229 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 6, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- San Marcos, Texas
- Nearest airport
- San Marcos Regional (HYI)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N2477F
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2007
- 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.