Probable cause
The student pilot’s improper landing flare in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a bounced landing.
NTSB analysis
The solo student pilot reported that, during the approach, the "winds got very powerful," He added that the winds were "too strong and out of [his] capacity and personal minimums." During the landing, the airplane landed flat and bounced twice. He then taxied to park without further incident.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
The student reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation system about 2 nautical miles from the accident site reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 340° at 9 knots, gusting to 15 knots. The student pilot landed on runway 27.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA151 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 7, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lakeland, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Lakeland Linder Rgnl (LAL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N2221R
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1998
- 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.