Pilot’s Failure To Maintain Airplane Control During Final Approach After Encountering An Unexpected Windshear

Location: Air Force Academy, Colorado Accident Number: CEN25LA088
Date & Time: January 27, 2025, 09:30 Local Registration: N51387
Aircraft: Cessna 172S Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Analysis: According to the pilot, about 150 ft above ground level, the airplane encountered an unexpected windshear which resulted in a “significant sink rate” and loss of about 10 knots of airspeed. The pilot attempted to arrest the descent by adding engine power but was unsuccessful. The airplane landed hard, bounced, and then settled on the runway. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the firewall. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during final approach after encountering an unexpected windshear.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov