On July 21, 1983, a Cessna 172M (registration N13658) operated by A&e Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Monica, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to add power during a porpoising landing, which resulted in multiple bounces and subsequent damage to the nose gear, engine mounts, firewall, and propeller. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported that the aircraft began to porpoise and bounce during the flare. The pilot did not add power to go around or reland, leading to significant structural damage including a bent nose gear and firewall.
What happened
The pilot reported that during the flare phase of landing, the aircraft began to "porpoise." Reportedly, it bounced during the landing, but the pilot did not add power to go around or to reland the aircraft. The aircraft bounced several times. The nose gear, engine mounts and firewall were bent, the propeller struck the runway and a tire was flown out. According to the pilot, she encountered no aircraft malfunction.
The investigation
The examination revealed that the nose gear, engine mounts and firewall were bent, the propeller struck the runway and a tire was flown out.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to add power during a porpoising landing, which resulted in multiple bounces and subsequent damage to the nose gear, engine mounts, firewall, and propeller.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 21 Jul 1983 Cessna 172M accident near Santa Monica, CA?
A pilot reported that the aircraft began to porpoise and bounce during the flare. The pilot did not add power to go around or reland, leading to significant structural damage including a bent nose gear and firewall.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Jul 1983 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N13658, operated by A&e Flying Club, at Santa Monica, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to add power during a porpoising landing, which resulted in multiple bounces and subsequent damage to the nose gear, engine mounts, firewall, and propeller.
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