Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and subsequent porpoise.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during a touch-and-go, he came in too fast, and the airplane landed hard and bounced. He added that he should have gone around but chose to "ride it out." Subsequently, the airplane porpoised, the nosewheel collapsed, and the airplane came to rest nose down on the runway.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation system at the accident airport reported that, about 5 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 180° at 8 knots and that, about 15 minutes after the accident, the wind was 170° at 8 knots, gusting to 15 knots. The pilot landed on runway 16.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA340 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 9, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hillsboro, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Hillsboro Muni (INJ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N363CK
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2004
- 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.