Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate flare and failure to maintain aircraft control during landing in gusty wind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during landing, the airplane encountered a wind gust, landed hard and bounced several times. The nose gear collapsed and the airplane skidded to a stop, which resulted in substantial damage to the engine firewall.
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 WPR14CA125 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 4, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Eastsound, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Orcas Island (ORS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172K
- N-number
- N78330
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1968
- 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.