Probable cause
The student pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing.
NTSB analysis
The solo student pilot reported that her first approach was unstable, and she aborted the landing. During the subsequent approach, while on the downwind leg, the tower controller advised her to be cautious of wake turbulence. She continued the approach, and during landing, the airplane bounced twice. She attempted to abort the landing, but the propeller struck the ground. She then taxied the airplane to a taxiway.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the forward lower fuselage longerons and bulkheads.
The student reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA498 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 8, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania
- Nearest airport
- Beaver County (BVI)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N984BT
- 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.