No fatalities

Pilot Reports Bounce and Porpoise During Landing, Aircraft Noses Over After Runway Excursion (N4916N)

Savannah, GA, US

On August 12, 2001, a Cessna 182Q (registration N4916N) operated by Bruce H. Redler was involved in an aviation accident near Savannah, GA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The delay of the pilot to perform a go-around following a bounced landing and porpoise, and failure of the pilot to maintain directional control resulting in the airplane departing the runway and colliding with a berm. 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

A pilot reported not flaring enough on final approach, leading to a bounce and porpoise. The propeller contacted the runway edge, and after an attempted go-around, the aircraft departed the runway, hit a taxiway light and berm, collapsing the nose gear and nosing over. Both occupants exited through the passenger door.

Background

Prior to taxi, the pilot reported having Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) information "Whiskey," which indicated variable winds at 7 knots. The pilot was cleared to taxi to Runway 09 and subsequently cleared for takeoff with instructions to remain in right traffic.

Flight Details

The flight proceeded downwind, base, and final approach. During the final approach with 30 degrees of flaps extended, the pilot later reported that he did not flare sufficiently, causing the airplane to bounce slightly. The airplane then porpoised two times.

Accident Sequence

The pilot subsequently learned that the propeller had contacted the left runway edge. He attempted to take off again before the airplane departed the runway, but the attempt was unsuccessful. The airplane exited the left side of the runway, collided with a taxiway light, and rolled onto the grass between the runway and Taxiway E. The nose landing gear struck a berm, resulting in the collapse of the nose gear and the airplane nosing over.

Post-Accident Information

The pilot stated that he lost consciousness upon impact with the berm and regained consciousness while the airplane was inverted. Both occupants exited the airplane through the passenger door. A METAR issued at 1153 local time indicated wind from 170 degrees at 7 knots. Review of FAA Order 7110.65N, titled "Air Traffic Control," notes that ASOS/AWOS is considered the primary source of wind direction, velocity, and altimeter data for weather observation purposes. The pilot had received a high-performance signoff prior to the accident flight, with the training consisting of 5 hours.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Aug 2001 Cessna 182Q accident near Savannah, GA?

A pilot reported not flaring enough on final approach, leading to a bounce and porpoise. The propeller contacted the runway edge, and after an attempted go-around, the aircraft departed the runway, hit a taxiway light and berm, collapsing the nose gear and nosing over. Both occupants exited through the passenger door.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Aug 2001 Cessna 182Q accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Aug 2001 involved a Cessna 182Q, registration N4916N, operated by Bruce H. Redler, at Savannah, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The delay of the pilot to perform a go-around following a bounced landing and porpoise, and failure of the pilot to maintain directional control resulting in the airplane departing the runway and colliding with a berm.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010816X01698. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.