Probable cause
The student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a porpoise.
NTSB analysis
The solo student pilot reported that, during a touch-and-go landing, the airplane landed flat. He added that the airplane porpoised and that he heard a "thump." The student pilot performed a go-around, entered the traffic pattern, and landed without further incident.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA046 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 14, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Columbus, Ohio
- Nearest airport
- Ohio State University (OSU)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Textron Aviation Inc 172
- N-number
- N30SU
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2015
- 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.