Hard Landing: Cessna 172P Skyhawk, N6508K, accident occurred July 02, 2018 at Oakland/Troy Airport (KVLL), Oakland County, Michigan

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Grand Rapids, Michigan

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/N6508K

Location: Troy, MI
Accident Number: GAA18CA391
Date & Time: 07/02/2018, 0720 EDT
Registration: N6508K
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Hard landing
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional

Analysis

The solo student pilot reported that, during landing, the airplane slowed, and the stall warning sounded as the main landing gear contacted the runway. He added that it appeared that the airplane had landed, but he then observed the nose drop below the horizon. He added power to go around, but the nosewheel impacted the runway, and the airplane pitched "rearward." Subsequently, the airplane porpoised, the nose landing gear strut collapsed, and he aborted the go-around. The student taxied the airplane to park without further incident.

The flight instructor reported that he witnessed that the airplane on approach was a little flat but did not appear to be unstable. The student then pitched the airplane for the numbers, the airplane floated down the runway, and it then touched down in a flat attitude. Subsequently, the airplane bounced 2 to 3 ft, porpoised, and the student was then able to taxi from the runway. The flight instructor added that the student was too late on the flare and that all of the energy came down on the nosewheel.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

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

The automated weather observation system at the airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 250° at 7 knots. The student pilot landed the airplane on runway 27.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The student pilot's failure to maintain a proper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, porpoised landing during an aborted go-around.

Findings

Aircraft
Landing flare - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Student pilot (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing
Hard landing (Defining event)
Attempted remediation/recovery
Loss of control on ground
Landing gear collapse 

Student Pilot Information

Certificate: Student
Age: 60, 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 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 10/10/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 46.5 hours (Total, all aircraft), 40.5 hours (Total, this make and model)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N6508K
Model/Series: 172 P
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1980
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal; Utility
Serial Number: 17274205
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 05/30/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2400 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 9945 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-320-A4M
Registered Owner: Troy Oakland Pilots Flying Club Inc
Rated Power: 180 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Dawn
Observation Facility, Elevation: KVLL, 716 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1122 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 71°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 7 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / Terrain-Induced
Wind Direction: 250°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / Light
Altimeter Setting: 29.98 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C / 22°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Troy, MI (VLL)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Troy, MI (VLL)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0700 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: OAKLAND/TROY (VLL)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 727 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 27
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:  3549 ft / 60 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Go Around; 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: 42.542778, -83.178889 (est)