Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during landing, the airplane ballooned into the air, and he executed a go-around. After ballooning, the airplane descended, and the empennage impacted a fence.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage.
The 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 GAA17CA276 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 12, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Monument Valley, Utah
- Nearest airport
- Monument Valley (UT25)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N9390E
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- 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.