Probable cause
The student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a porpoised landing.
NTSB analysis
The solo student pilot was practicing takeoff and landings. She reported that, on her fifth and final landing, the control tower advised her to spend minimal time on the runway due to a jet that was No. 2 to land behind her. She added that she rushed the landing and was too fast to level off during the flare. Subsequently, the nosewheel touched down first, and a porpoise ensued. Following the porpoise, she taxied off the runway without incident.
A postaccident examination revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the 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 GAA17CA448 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 9, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Manassas, Virginia
- Nearest airport
- Manassas Rgnl/Harry P Davis Fi (HEF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N80399
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1976
- 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.