On April 26, 2001, a Cessna 172G (registration N3860L) was involved in an aviation accident near N. Little Rock, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed and flight path during the landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing, runway excursion, and subsequent impact with trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A single-engine airplane experienced a high sink rate during final approach. The pilot attempted to correct with power but impacted the runway hard, bounced, veered off, and struck trees.
What happened
The single-engine airplane was established on final approach when the pilot flared too high, resulting in an excessive sink rate. In response, the pilot applied power; however, the action proved too late to prevent a hard impact with the runway surface. The aircraft bounced upon landing before veering off the paved surface and colliding with trees.
The investigation
Post-accident review of the pilot's account indicated that the sequence of events could have been avoided by initiating a go-around sooner. The pilot acknowledged that earlier intervention might have prevented the accident entirely.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed and flight path during the landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing, runway excursion, and subsequent impact with trees.
What happened in the 26 Apr 2001 Cessna 172G accident near N. Little Rock, AR?
A single-engine airplane experienced a high sink rate during final approach. The pilot attempted to correct with power but impacted the runway hard, bounced, veered off, and struck trees.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Apr 2001 involved a Cessna 172G, registration N3860L, at N. Little Rock, AR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed and flight path during the landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing, runway excursion, and subsequent impact with trees.
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