Casualties unknown

1998-08-07: Cessna 172N (N118FP) — Wings OF Denver — Broomfield, CO

Broomfield, CO, US

On August 7, 1998, a Cessna 172N (registration N118FP) operated by Wings OF Denver was involved in an aviation accident near Broomfield, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain control of the aircraft following a hard landing and porpoising event, which resulted in damage to the nose gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 16 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

A newly certified private pilot experienced a hard landing and porpoising event on runway 11R. Despite applying forward pressure to keep the aircraft grounded, the pilot was unable to maintain control, resulting in a nose gear impact.

What happened

The pilot, who had held his private certificate for only ten days at the time of the incident, received clearance to land on runway 11R. Environmental conditions were calm, with winds blowing from 360 degrees at a speed of 5 knots. To execute the approach, the pilot selected 20 degrees of flaps and maintained an airspeed of 70 knots.

Upon touchdown, the aircraft encountered a hard landing that immediately induced a porpoising motion. The pilot attempted to maintain directional control and keep the airplane on the runway surface by applying forward pressure on the controls. This corrective action proved insufficient, and the nose gear struck the ground during the subsequent oscillation.

Probable cause

The pilot's inability to maintain control of the aircraft following a hard landing and porpoising event, which resulted in damage to the nose gear.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10844. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.