Cessna 172S Skyhawk, N30SU, registered to and operated by Ohio State University Airport: Accident occurred November 14, 2017 at Ohio State University Airport (KOSU), Columbus, Ohio

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Columbus, Ohio

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf 

http://registry.faa.gov/N30SU

Location: Columbus, OH
Accident Number: GAA18CA046
Date & Time: 11/14/2017, 1035 EST
Registration: N30SU
Aircraft: TEXTRON AVIATION INC 172
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Abnormal runway contact
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional

Analysis

The solo student pilot reported that, during a touch-and-go landing, he landed flat. He added that the airplane porpoised and he heard a "thump". The student pilot performed a go-around, entered the traffic pattern, and landed without further incident.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The student pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a porpoise. 

Findings

Aircraft
Landing flare - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Student pilot (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing
Abnormal runway contact (Defining event)
Loss of control on ground

Attempted remediation/recovery

Student Pilot Information

Certificate: Student
Age: 21, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/18/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 47 hours (Total, all aircraft), 47 hours (Total, this make and model), 1 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 16 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 6 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: TEXTRON AVIATION INC
Registration: N30SU
Model/Series: 172 S
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2015
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal; Utility
Serial Number: 172S11625
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 10/27/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2558 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 1308.9 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: C126 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-360-L2A
Registered Owner: OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY AIRPORT
Rated Power: 180 hp
Operator: OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY AIRPORT
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Pilot School (141)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation:  KOSU, 905 ft msl
Observation Time: 1453 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 272°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 4°C / 0°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: Calm
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 30.4 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: Columbus, OH (OSU)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Columbus, OH (OSU)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 1020 EST
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY (OSU)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 905 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 27L
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 5004 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Touch and Go; Traffic Pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude:  40.077778, -83.068056 (est)