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Pilot Reports Hard Landing and Propeller Strike During Practice (N19770)

Bakersfield, CA, US

On September 6, 1998, a Cessna 172L (registration N19770) operated by Kern Charter Airservice was involved in an aviation accident near Bakersfield, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudged landing flare that led to an improper bounced landing recovery and subsequent uncontrolled porpoise. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During practice takeoffs and landings, a pilot performed a go-around on the first approach, then flared too high on the second, resulting in a stall at 20 feet, hard landing, porpoising, and propeller strike. No mechanical issues were noted.

Incident Overview

A pilot practicing takeoffs and landings at an airport reported two landing attempts. On the first approach, the pilot initiated a go-around after determining the aircraft was too high above the runway. During the second landing attempt, the pilot flared too high, causing the aircraft to stall approximately 20 feet above the ground. The subsequent hard landing led to porpoising down the runway, and the aircraft struck the propeller before coming to a stop.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that no mechanical anomalies were observed with the aircraft or engine during the event. The incident involved solely the pilot's actions during the landing sequence.

Sequence of Events

  • First landing attempt: Go-around due to excessive altitude.
  • Second landing attempt: Flare initiated at excessive height, resulting in a stall at 20 feet.
  • Hard impact followed by porpoising motion along the runway.
  • Propeller strike occurred before the aircraft stopped.

Operational Context

The pilot was conducting practice maneuvers, specifically takeoffs and landings, at the accident airport. No information is available regarding aircraft type, registration, date, time, weather, or air traffic control involvement.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Sept 1998 Cessna 172L accident near Bakersfield, CA?

During practice takeoffs and landings, a pilot performed a go-around on the first approach, then flared too high on the second, resulting in a stall at 20 feet, hard landing, porpoising, and propeller strike. No mechanical issues were noted.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Sept 1998 Cessna 172L accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Sept 1998 involved a Cessna 172L, registration N19770, operated by Kern Charter Airservice, at Bakersfield, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's misjudged landing flare that led to an improper bounced landing recovery and subsequent uncontrolled porpoise.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11104. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.