Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed on approach, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot stated that he was practicing short field landings and configured the airplane with full flaps on the approach. The student pilot reduced power too early for the airplane configuration, which caused a loss of airspeed and a subsequent hard landing. During subsequent annual maintenance, a mechanic noted that the firewall was bent. The student pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR11CA489 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 7, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Grants Pass, Oregon
- Nearest airport
- Grants Pass (3S8)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172C
- N-number
- N8287X
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.