No fatalities

Porpoising Observed During Touch-and-Go Landings Preceding Hard Landing (N123FR)

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. No fatalities were reported. 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 2026-07-04Data 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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Oct 1999 Cessna 172P accident near Torrance, CA?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Oct 1999 Cessna 172P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Oct 1999 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N123FR, operated by South Bay Aviation, at Torrance, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's excessive airspeed on final approach and his misjudged flare, which resulted in a uncontrolled porpoise and hard landing.

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.