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Casualties unknown

Bounced Landing Leads to Porpoising and Propeller Strike (N54576)

Stevensville, MD, US

On July 2, 2001, a Cessna 172P (registration N54576) was involved in an aviation accident near Stevensville, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper flare and his improper recovery from a bounced landing. 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 final approach, the airplane remained above glide path. The pilot continued the landing instead of going around. After touchdown, the airplane bounced and ballooned. Attempted recovery led to porpoising, a ruptured nose wheel tire, and a propeller strike on the asphalt.

Incident Description

While on final approach for the runway, the airplane was "above glide path and remained too high throughout final." The pilot, with a view of ample runway ahead, "decided to continue with the landing rather than go around." The airplane touched down, bounced back into the air, and "ballooned excessively."

Recovery Attempts

The pilot added power to recover from the bounced landing. The airplane touched down a second time and began to porpoise. The oscillations led to the nose wheel tire rupturing, and the propeller struck the asphalt.

Guidance Reference

According to the Federal Aviation Administration Airplane Flying Handbook, the proper technique for recovery from "excessive" "Floating During Roundout" and "Ballooning During Roundout" was "EXECUTE A GO-AROUND IMMEDIATELY."

Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Jul 2001 Cessna 172P accident near Stevensville, MD?

During final approach, the airplane remained above glide path. The pilot continued the landing instead of going around. After touchdown, the airplane bounced and ballooned. Attempted recovery led to porpoising, a ruptured nose wheel tire, and a propeller strike on the asphalt.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Jul 2001 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N54576, at Stevensville, MD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper flare and his improper recovery from a bounced landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010706X01316. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.