On May 6, 1996, a Cessna 172 (registration N97277) operated by Robert L. Gates was involved in an aviation accident near Winston-salem, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper use of the elevator in response to a bounced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot experiencing stomach cramps from food poisoning bounced his aircraft during a final landing attempt and subsequently landed hard on the nose gear.
What happened
The pilot was conducting touch-and-go landings when he decided to terminate the flight sequence. He cited a sudden onset of stomach cramps, resulting from food poisoning experienced the previous day, as the reason for ending the exercise. During the execution of his final landing, the aircraft bounced upon initial contact with the runway. The pilot reported pulling back on the control yoke in an attempt to counteract the bounce. His next recollection was of the airplane impacting the ground heavily on its nose gear.
The investigation
No mechanical examination findings are provided in the source material regarding the aircraft's condition prior to the event.
What happened in the 6 May 1996 Cessna 172 accident near Winston-salem, NC?
A pilot experiencing stomach cramps from food poisoning bounced his aircraft during a final landing attempt and subsequently landed hard on the nose gear.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 6 May 1996 involved a Cessna 172, registration N97277, operated by Robert L. Gates, at Winston-salem, NC.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's improper use of the elevator in response to a bounced landing.
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