On August 3, 1996, a Cessna 172K (registration N78108) operated by Matthew Hightower was involved in an aviation accident near Nikiski, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent collapse of the landing gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot reported a sudden drop during the landing flare, causing a hard touchdown that collapsed the nose and left main gear before the aircraft nosed over.
What happened
The pilot reported that the airplane was approximately 50 to 75 feet above the runway threshold while entering the landing flare. At this point, the airplane suddenly dropped and touched down hard. The impact caused the airplane to bounce twice, which resulted in the collapse of both the nose gear and the left main landing gear. Following the gear failure, the airplane nosed over.
The pilot estimated that surface winds were a quartering headwind at 10 to 15 knots. He believed he had sufficient airspeed prior to the sudden sinking of the airplane and suspected he may have encountered windshear.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent collapse of the landing gear.
What happened in the 3 Aug 1996 Cessna 172K accident near Nikiski, AK?
The pilot reported a sudden drop during the landing flare, causing a hard touchdown that collapsed the nose and left main gear before the aircraft nosed over.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Aug 1996 involved a Cessna 172K, registration N78108, operated by Matthew Hightower, at Nikiski, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent collapse of the landing gear.
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