Accident Cessna 172RG N9440D, Wednesday 6 April 2022

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Date:	Wednesday 6 April 2022
Time:	10:05 LT
Type:	Cessna 172RG
Owner/operator:	Airlink Flight School
Registration:	N9440D
MSN:	172RG-1162
Year of manufacture:	1984
Total airframe hrs:	5709 hours
Engine model:	Lycoming O-360-F1AG
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Waterville-Robert Lafleur Airport, ME (WVL/KWVL) - United States of America
Phase:	Landing
Nature:	Training
Departure airport:	Waterville-Robert Lafleur Airport, ME (WVL/KWVL)
Destination airport:	Waterville-Robert Lafleur Airport, ME (WVL/KWVL)
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
The solo student pilot reported that following performing maneuvers in the local area he returned to the airport to complete touch-and-go landings. He had completed four landings and remained in the pattern for his fifth landing, in which he planned to do a soft field landing. Upon touchdown, the pilot described that a 'hard bounceâ€ sent the airplane back into the air. When the airplane touched down again, the nose landing gear collapsed and the airplane skidded to a stop on the runway. The fuselage and rudder sustained substantial damage. The student pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.

Probable Cause: The student pilot's incorrect landing flare, which resulted in a hard bounced landing and nose landing gear collapse.

Accident investigation: