On April 29, 1982, a Cessna 177B (registration N1105C) operated by Emily B. Gottschalk was involved in an aviation accident near Modesto, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing roll, which resulted in a propeller strike with the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During practice touch-and-go landings in gusty crosswind conditions, an aircraft ballooned and porpoised on the runway. A propeller blade struck the pavement, damaging the firewall.
What happened
The pilot was conducting practice touch-and-go landing maneuvers when the incident occurred. The weather conditions included a right quartering headwind with gusts reaching 20 knots. On the second landing attempt, the aircraft ballooned and began to porpoise along the runway surface. Although the porpoising motion ceased on the third touchdown, the tip of one propeller blade struck the runway pavement.
The investigation
Examination of the aircraft revealed that the impact with the runway resulted in damage to the firewall and adjacent structural components.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing roll, which resulted in a propeller strike with the runway.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 29 Apr 1982 Cessna 177B accident near Modesto, CA?
During practice touch-and-go landings in gusty crosswind conditions, an aircraft ballooned and porpoised on the runway. A propeller blade struck the pavement, damaging the firewall.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Apr 1982 involved a Cessna 177B, registration N1105C, operated by Emily B. Gottschalk, at Modesto, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing roll, which resulted in a propeller strike with the runway.
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