Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing.
NTSB analysis
The operator stated that the student pilot had amassed over 40 flight hours and was performing a local area practice flight. During landing, the airplane touched down hard and bounced several times down the runway surface. During the accident sequence, the airplane incurred substantial damage to the firewall. The operator reported no pre impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR14CA074 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 23, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fullerton, California
- Nearest airport
- Fullerton Muni (FUL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172M
- N-number
- N80238
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1975
- 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.