Casualties unknown

Pilot Rebounds on Landing, Stalls and Loses Directional Control (N9957J)

Eloy, AZ, US

On August 15, 1997, a Cessna 188 (registration N9957J) was involved in an aviation accident near Eloy, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing and his failure to maintain directional control due to inadequate rudder use. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During a landing attempt following low approaches, a pilot reported the airplane bounced, stalled, and veered right. The main landing gear sheared off during the ensuing skidding turn.

Incident Details

The pilot had been practicing steep turns, banks, and stalls before conducting five to six low approaches over the runway. On the first landing attempt, the aircraft touched down just past the runway numbers.

Pilot Account

The pilot stated that the airplane touched down and then bounced back into the air. In response, he lowered the nose. The aircraft then stalled and contacted the runway. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control with the rudder, and the airplane veered to the right. He applied left rudder and brakes, causing the airplane to skid into a 180-degree turn.

Damage

During the skidding turn, the main landing gear sheared off.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08681. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.