Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during short final, he noticed "a sudden lack of wind," and the airplane began to descend. He added that the airplane landed hard and bounced multiple times. He taxied back to the parking ramp without further incident.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The airplane rental company owner reported that the pilot did not notify any personnel of the hard, bounded landing. He added that, during a later flight, the airplane owner noticed a vibration and landed to examine the airplane. Postflight examination revealed propeller damage and substantial damage to the fuselage.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA294 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 30, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Palo Alto, California
- Nearest airport
- Palo Alto (PAO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N254EK
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2011
- 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.