Probable cause
The student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The solo student pilot reported that, during the landing flare, he pulled back on the controls too sharply and that the airplane then ballooned and landed hard. Unbeknownst to him, the propeller struck the runway, and he then went around the traffic pattern again. He landed and taxied the airplane back to the ramp without further incident.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and lower fuselage.
The student 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 GAA18CA425 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 13, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Batavia, Ohio
- Nearest airport
- Clermont County (I69)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N12064
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2005
- 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.