Probable cause
The pilot's improper flare while landing. Contributing to the accident was the gusty wind condition.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was practicing touch-and-go landings on runway 21 when he flared high and added additional engine power to smooth the touchdown; however, the airplane landed hard and bounced. He performed a go-around and subsequently landed without further incident. Subsequent inspection of the airplane revealed damage to the nose gear assembly and engine firewall. Winds reported at the airport about the time of the accident were from 200 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 17 knots. The pilot did not report any mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for NYC08CA282 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 10, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Charlottesville, Virginia
- Nearest airport
- Charlottesville-Albemarie (CHO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N5210A
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.