NTSB CEN12CA620 — 2012-09-09 · Phillipsburg, Ohio, United States

Current FAA registration · N2484L

Make / Model: CESSNA 172H
Engine: CONT MOTOR 0-300 SER (145 hp)
Seats / Engines: 4 seats · 1 engine
Last airworthiness date: 19661228
ADS-B equipped: Yes — Mode-S A250A6

Source: FAA Aircraft Registry (releasable master file).

Aircraft involved

N2484L Cessna 172H None

Probable cause & findings

The pilot’s improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.

Factual narrative

During the final approach to the runway, the pilot initiated his flare too high. He stated that as he released back pressure on the flight controls and added power, the nose of the airplane dropped and the hit the runway. An examination of the airplane revealed that the firewall was wrinkled. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical anomalies or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. During the final approach to the runway, the pilot flared too high. He stated that as he released back pressure on the flight controls and added power, the nose of the airplane dropped and hit the runway hard. An examination of the airplane revealed that the firewall was wrinkled. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical anomalies or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Landing flare-Not attained/maintained - C

Verbatim from NTSB's published report. Source file NTSB_2012_CEN12CA620.txt. Findings + structured fields enriched from FAA avall.mdb. Full investigation docket on data.ntsb.gov ↗.

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