Probable cause
The pilot’s improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot reported she was performing solo take-offs and landings. On the first landing attempt, the airplane bounced and the student then aborted the landing and re-entered the traffic pattern. On the next landing attempt, the airplane touched down on the nose landing gear. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and the fuselage side skins.
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 WPR26LA128 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 15, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Cottonwood, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Cottonwood (P52)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 177
- N-number
- N178DR
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1970
- 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.