Aircraft: Cessna 172. Injuries: None. Location: Plattsburgh, NY. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The student pilot, accompanied by a CFI, was practicing touch-and-goes. During the second approach, the airplane’s airspeed and altitude decreased more than the student intended.
The left wing hit the runway. The CFI took over the controls and landed the airplane.
While taxiing to the ramp, they noticed that the velocity of the wind had increased more than reported. The recorded wind conditions at the airport, prior to and after the accident, were variable from 7 to 10 knots, with gusts to 17 knots.
Probable cause: The student pilot’s loss of directional control during the landing flare and the CFI’s delayed remedial action.
NTSB Identification: ERA11CA144
This February 2011 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
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