Casualties unknown

1999-10-08: Cessna 172P (N123FR) — South Bay Aviation — Torrance, CA

Torrance, CA, US

On October 8, 1999, a Cessna 172P (registration N123FR) operated by South Bay Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Torrance, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's excessive airspeed on final approach and his misjudged flare, which resulted in a uncontrolled porpoise and hard landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 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

Controllers observed porpoising on two prior touch-and-go landings. The pilot continued an unstable approach, resulting in a hard landing and go-around. Damage to firewall and tailskid was found after full-stop landing.

Incident Overview

During a series of touch-and-go landings, air traffic controllers in the tower observed the airplane porpoise on each of the first two landings. On the third touch-and-go, the pilot reported realizing he was too high and fast on final approach but continued the approach anyway. The landing was hard, and the pilot subsequently performed a go-around. After the go-around, the pilot informed the air traffic controller that he thought his nose wheel might be flat.

Post-Flight Inspection

The pilot made a full-stop landing and taxied to the flight school. Following the landing, a damaged firewall and tailskid were found on the airplane.

Operational Details

The incident involved a training flight with touch-and-go maneuvers. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, operator, location, number of occupants, injuries, time of day, weather conditions, or whether air traffic control provided any instructions beyond observing the porpoising. No causal factors or analysis are provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19987. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.