Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare which resulted in a bounced hard landing and subsequent nose over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while in the pattern for landing, he turned a short base leg, followed by a short final approach leg. A “rapid roundout” was initiated at touchdown which resulted in the airplane bouncing. During the last bounce, the nose gear sheared off and the airplane subsequently nosed over coming to rest inverted. The right wing and wing lift strut 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 WPR21LA241 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 20, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Moose Creek Ranger Station, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Moose Creek /Usfs/ (1U1)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N79523
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1969
- 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.