Probable cause
The student pilot’s improper approach path after the airplane encountered turbulence, which resulted in the airplane landing hard short of the runway.
NTSB analysis
The solo student pilot reported that, during approach, as the airplane crossed over a highway, it encountered turbulence and increased lift. He reduced power to correct, and the airplane lost altitude quickly. The student added power to compensate, but the airplane landed hard before reaching the runway, and the nose landing gear collapsed.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
The student reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation station located about 7 miles south of the airport reported that, about 10 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 090° at 5 knots. The student was landing the airplane on runway 9.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA551 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 1, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Cypress, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Weiser Air Park (EYQ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA28
- N-number
- N212NA
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1978
- 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.