On September 6, 1997, a Cessna 177B (registration N34829) was involved in an aviation accident near Oxford, IA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper flare during landing which caused the airplane to balloon and subsequently land hard, resulting in collapse of the nosewheel. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot and instructor experienced their first flight in this aircraft type. During a landing flare, the airplane ballooned, leading to a hard landing that collapsed the nosewheel.
What happened
The accident occurred during a training flight involving a private pilot undergoing a checkout procedure. Both the private pilot and the instructor pilot were experiencing their first time flying this specific aircraft type. The private pilot was operating the controls when the airplane ballooned during the landing flare phase. The instructor pilot attempted to assume control to correct the situation but was unable to regain effective control of the aircraft. This resulted in a hard landing where the nosewheel collapsed.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical outcome of the landing impact. The primary finding was the structural failure of the nose landing gear due to the excessive vertical load from the hard landing following the ballooning flare.
Probable cause
The pilot's improper flare during landing which caused the airplane to balloon and subsequently land hard, resulting in collapse of the nosewheel.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 6 Sept 1997 Cessna 177B accident near Oxford, IA?
A private pilot and instructor experienced their first flight in this aircraft type. During a landing flare, the airplane ballooned, leading to a hard landing that collapsed the nosewheel.
Were there any fatalities in the 6 Sept 1997 Cessna 177B accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 6 Sept 1997 involved a Cessna 177B, registration N34829, at Oxford, IA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's improper flare during landing which caused the airplane to balloon and subsequently land hard, resulting in collapse of the nosewheel.
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