Probable cause
The student pilot’s improper landing flare in a crosswind, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The solo student pilot reported that, during landing, he flared the airplane high, and it then landed hard. He added that the airplane "dipped," and he felt the nosewheel wobble. He then turned off the engine and "steered to the grass" off the runway.
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 student reported that the wind was from 110° at 6 knots. The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 23 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 100° at 9 knots. The airplane landed on runway 35R.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA464 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 26, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Spring, Texas
- Nearest airport
- David Wayne Hooks Memorial (DWH)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N865CP
- 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.