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GAA18CA163

2018-03-11 · Bedford, Massachusetts, United States · None · 1 aircraft · Status: Completed

Airport BED

Current FAA registration · N249FS

Make / Model
CESSNA 172R
Year of manufacture
2005 · 13 years old at event
Engine
LYCOMING IO-360-L2A (180 hp)
Seats / Engines
4 seats · 1 engine
Last airworthiness date
20050627
ADS-B equipped
Yes — Mode-S A251FC

Source: FAA Aircraft Registry (releasable master file).

Aircraft involved

Probable cause & findings

The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in substantial damage.

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that, during touchdown in crosswind conditions, it "felt like [the airplane] landed heavily on the nose wheel". He added that, he taxied to park without further incident. A postaccident examination revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation system located at the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 300° at 9 knots. The pilot landed on runway 29. The pilot reported that, during touchdown in crosswind conditions, it "felt like [the airplane] landed heavily on the nose wheel." He added that he taxied to park without further incident. Postaccident examination revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation system located at the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 300° at 9 knots. The pilot landed on runway 29. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

  • C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Landing flare-Not attained/maintained - C
  • C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
  • — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Crosswind-Effect on operation

Verbatim from NTSB's published report. Source file NTSB_2018_GAA18CA163.txt. Findings + structured fields enriched from FAA avall.mdb. Full investigation docket on data.ntsb.gov ↗.

Search this event elsewhere

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