On June 29, 2001, a Cessna 177 (registration N3381T) operated by Miiledgeville Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Milledgeville, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control and the subsequent collision with an object during an attempted landing. A factor was porpoise induced oscillation. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot reported that during a touch and go landing, he flared early, causing the airplane to porpoise. The airplane touched down left of centerline, departed the runway, rolled down an incline, and collided with a shed and trees.
Event Details
A student pilot was conducting a touch and go landing when he flared early, leading to a porpoise condition. The pilot stated that he added power in an attempt to correct the porpoise. During the landing, the airplane touched down on the left side of the runway center line.
Runway Excursion and Collision
After touchdown, the airplane departed the left side of the runway and rolled down an incline. It continued until colliding with a shed and trees, which brought the airplane to a stop.
Pilot Report
The student pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the airplane. The sequence of events was described by the pilot as reported.