N9853LCessna 172P · 1986

The student pilot reported that during the landing flare, he landed hard. He reported that he performed a go-around and then landed without further incident. A post flight inspection revealed substantial damage to the firewall.

The operator reported no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot reported that he was aware that a heavy jet aircraft had been on taxiway G all morning doing periodic engine runups. He departed on his flight and returned to the airport. After landing, the single-engine airplane was cleared by air traffic controllers to exit the runway on taxiway E and proceed to parking, which would put the aircraft crossing taxiway G behind the heavy jet. The pilot said he thought about refusing the clearance but followed it anyway. While taxiing across taxiway G, the jet blast from the heavy jet struck the airplane. The airplane initially slid sideways, then the jet blast picked up the left wing and the right wing struck the ground, which caused substantial damage to the right wing.