Probable cause
The student pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing.
NTSB analysis
The solo student pilot reported that, while performing a touch-and-go landing, upon touchdown, the airplane landed hard and bounced. He added full power to go around, determined that the airplane was flying normally, and continued in the traffic pattern. He landed the airplane a second time, and it bounced a little, and he then taxied the airplane to the ramp without further incident.
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.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA042 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 26, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Salina, Kansas
- Nearest airport
- Salina Rgnl (SLN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N822KS
- 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.