Casualties unknown

1997-04-19: Cessna 177 (N3489T) — Rantoul, IL

Rantoul, IL, US

On April 19, 1997, a Cessna 177 (registration N3489T) was involved in an aviation accident near Rantoul, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the student pilot's improper flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot reported a bounced landing with nose gear contact during the flare. The airplane bounced twice before landing, and damage was discovered afterward.

Incident Details

A student pilot reported that during the landing flare, she reduced power, and the airplane "fell in." The airplane bounced, and the pilot added power; however, the airplane contacted the runway on the nose gear. The airplane bounced once again. Once again, the pilot added power, this time making a landing. The pilot reported she noticed damage to the airplane after taxiing to the local fixed base operator.

Sequence of Events

The landing began with a normal approach. During the flare, the student pilot reduced engine power. The airplane then descended abruptly, described by the pilot as "falling in." This resulted in a bounce. The pilot responded by increasing power. Despite this input, the airplane touched down on the nose gear, causing another bounce. The pilot again added power and completed the landing. After taxiing to the fixed base operator, the pilot inspected the airplane and found damage.

Post-Landing Observations

The pilot did not specify the extent or location of the damage. No other information about the incident was provided.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07689. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.