Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point, which resulted in an undershoot of the runway.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot stated that while on final approach for landing, about 20 feet above ground level and about 15 feet from the approach end of the runway, the airplane began to sink and that it touched down hard off the runway surface. The nose wheel dug into the terrain, and the airplane nosed over resulting in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder. The 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 WPR13CA225 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 10, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Newcastle, Wyoming
- Nearest airport
- Mondell Field Airport (KECS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172N
- N-number
- N7610F
- 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.