Probable cause
The student pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor reported that, during a night landing, the student pilot relaxed back pressure, and the nose landing gear struck the runway. The airplane bounced, and the instructor took the flight controls and settled the airplane back onto the runway. They then taxied off the runway and did not see anything wrong with the airplane, so they continued two more takeoffs and landings without further incident.
During the 100-hour inspection the next day, it was observed that the airplane had sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
The instructor 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 GAA19CA076 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 22, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Ogden, Utah
- Nearest airport
- Ogden-Hinckley (OGD)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N21621
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.