NTSB Factual Report

On October 2, 2003, about 1640 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172S, N350ME, registered to a private individual and operated by Galvin Flying Service as a 14 CFR Part 91 solo instructional flight, was substantially damaged during landing at Boeing Field, Seattle, Washington. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was field for the local flight. The student pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured.

In a written statement, the student pilot reported that he took off on runway 13 left with the intent on staying in the pattern to practice touch-and-go landings. The student stated that while on downwind, he was cleared to land. The student reduced power and extended one notch of flaps. Base and final approach turns were made with additional power reduction and flap extension. The student pilot stated that when he turned to final approach, he realized that he was too high. The student lowered the nose of the aircraft, but did not reduce power. Airspeed began to increase and the student attempted to "slip to slow down." The student eventually got the aircraft on the VASI glide slope, but had an indicated airspeed of 75 knots. The student pilot then reduced power and continued to land with 70 to 75 knots airspeed. The aircraft touched down in a flat attitude with excessive airspeed and ballooned. The pilot pitched the nose down and the aircraft touched down on the nose gear and bounced. The student pitched the aircraft down and again the aircraft touched down on the nose gear and bounced. The aircraft finally settled to the runway and the pilot applied braking action and eventually pulled off the runway. The student pilot then taxied back to the fixed base operator to conclude the flight.

On October 9, 2003, representatives from Galvin Flying service reported that the firewall sustained substantial damage.

NTSB Probable Cause

Improper flare during the landing. Excessive airspeed and improper remedial action were factors.