On August 24, 1996, a Cessna 172H (registration N3782F) was involved in an aviation accident near Durango, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper flare during landing, resulting in a hard touchdown and bounce. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot elected to land on runway 02 after receiving wind reports from UNICOM. Upon crossing the threshold, the aircraft touched down hard and bounced, with the pilot attributing the event to flaring too high.
What happened
The pilot initiated a landing approach on runway 02 after consulting UNICOM, which reported winds as light and variable at 4 knots. To prepare for touchdown, the pilot deployed full flaps and reduced airspeed to 70 mph. As the aircraft crossed the runway threshold, the throttle was closed and the pilot began the flare maneuver. The airplane subsequently landed hard and bounced upon contact with the runway surface.
The investigation
Post-incident analysis focused on the pilot's account of the landing sequence. The pilot indicated that she suspected she had flared too high during the final phase of the approach, which likely contributed to the hard landing and subsequent bounce.
Probable cause
The pilot's improper flare during landing, resulting in a hard touchdown and bounce.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 24 Aug 1996 Cessna 172H accident near Durango, CO?
A pilot elected to land on runway 02 after receiving wind reports from UNICOM. Upon crossing the threshold, the aircraft touched down hard and bounced, with the pilot attributing the event to flaring too high.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Aug 1996 involved a Cessna 172H, registration N3782F, at Durango, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's improper flare during landing, resulting in a hard touchdown and bounce.
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