Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a porpoised landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that the airplane approached the runway with a "steep angle [and] high descent rate." He added that the airplane "touched the ground before flaring" and that the airplane porpoised on the runway. Subsequently, the nosewheel tire popped, and the strut partially collapsed. The pilot reported that he stopped the airplane on the runway and radioed for assistance.
The firewall and fuselage sustained substantial damage.
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 GAA17CA394 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 2, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Tamuning
- Nearest airport
- Guam Intl (GUM)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N80328
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1975
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.