Primary finding
Probable cause
The improper landing flare by the pilot resulting in the hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that on his third touch-and-go landing he reduced power in the flare and the airplane landed hard on the soft, wet, sod runway. The nose gear collapsed and the fuselage split aft of the cockpit.
Source record
Factual narrative
On October 11, 1994, about 1305 eastern daylight time, N5415R, a Cessna 172F, registered to Kent Aviation Group, crashed on landing at Indiantown Marion, Airport, Indiantown, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The pilot received minor injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The flight originated from North County Airport about 45 minutes earlier. The pilot stated that he had accomplished about three touch- and-go landings. On the last landing he stated he reduced the power in the flare and the airplane landed hard on the soft sod runway. The nose gear failed and the airplane fuselage broke aft of the cockpit. -