Probable cause
The pilot’s improper approach airspeed and landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing and nose over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during a steep approach, the airplane touched down with “excessive” speed and the airplane bounced hard and nosed over. The left-wing lift strut and the tailcone were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR20CA300 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 7, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Stuart Island, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Stuart Island West (2WA3)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 3
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N172CS
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1973
- 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.