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Hard Landing and Bounce During Touch and Go Leads to Off-Runway Excursion (N5463L)

Clinton, AR, US

On October 18, 1996, a Cessna 152 (registration N5463L) was involved in an aviation accident near Clinton, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing, and his failure to obtain or maintain sufficient airspeed during the aborted landing, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with the terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During touch and go landings on runway 31, a pilot experienced a hard landing, two bounces, and a left drift. With flaps extended, the airplane could not climb over obstacles, resulting in a left wing impact with the ground.

Incident Overview

Witnesses at an airport observed a pilot conducting touch and go landings on runway 31. During the third landing attempt, the airplane landed hard and bounced twice. According to the pilot, after the second bounce the airplane touched down on the left main tire, causing the airplane to bounce to the left.

Sequence of Events

Following the bounce, the airplane was seen in a nose-high attitude while full power was applied in an apparent attempt to abort the landing. Witnesses reported that the flaps remained extended as the airplane 'hung on its prop as it labored to stay airborne at approximately 100 feet off the ground.' The airplane then drifted left of the runway centerline and headed toward a barn and a line of tall trees at the departure end of the runway.

Pilot's Account

On an NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the pilot stated: 'with the flaps down, I could not gain the airspeed or altitude need[ed] to get over a line of trees in front of the aircraft.' The pilot added that as he attempted to maneuver to avoid the obstacles, the left wing impacted the ground.

Controlled flight into terrainAerodynamic stall

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Oct 1996 Cessna 152 accident near Clinton, AR?

During touch and go landings on runway 31, a pilot experienced a hard landing, two bounces, and a left drift. With flaps extended, the airplane could not climb over obstacles, resulting in a left wing impact with the ground.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Oct 1996 involved a Cessna 152, registration N5463L, at Clinton, AR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's improper flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing, and his failure to obtain or maintain sufficient airspeed during the aborted landing, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with the terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06889. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.