On April 20, 1987, a Cessna 172M (registration N73614) was involved in an aviation accident near Hawthorne, CA. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot practicing touch-and-go landings encountered gusting winds and a hard touchdown that bounced the aircraft before safely taxiing to the ramp.
What happened
The incident occurred during a solo instructional flight focused on practice maneuvers. The student pilot was conducting touch-and-go landings when they began to notice changing atmospheric conditions aloft, specifically gusting winds and shifting wind direction.
On the final landing attempt of the sequence, the aircraft impacted the runway with significant force. The hard touchdown caused the plane to become airborne again briefly before it touched down a second time. Despite the unstable landing, the pilot maintained control and successfully taxied the aircraft to the parking ramp without further incident.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 20 Apr 1987 Cessna 172M accident near Hawthorne, CA?
A student pilot practicing touch-and-go landings encountered gusting winds and a hard touchdown that bounced the aircraft before safely taxiing to the ramp.
Were there any fatalities in the 20 Apr 1987 Cessna 172M accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 Apr 1987 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N73614, at Hawthorne, CA.
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