Casualties unknown

Airplane Impacts Terrain During Aborted Landing After Bouncing (N754LT)

Green Valley, AZ, US

On May 8, 2002, a Cessna 172M (registration N754LT) was involved in an aviation accident near Green Valley, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to identify the wind direction, which led to an attempted downwind landing approach that resulted in a hard landing and severe bounce. 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

An airplane impacted terrain next to runway 01 during an aborted landing after bouncing. The pilot cited a down draft. No mechanical anomalies were found.

Accident Details

The airplane impacted terrain adjacent to the runway during an aborted landing. The pilot reported that the aircraft lost altitude due to a down draft while executing a full stop landing on runway 01. The airplane touched down hard and bounced several times before the pilot attempted to abort the landing.

Pilot Actions

During the aborted landing, the pilot did not retract the flaps. The airplane continued flying toward the right side of the runway and was unable to climb over or turn away from the rising terrain, into which it ultimately impacted.

Engine and Control Systems

Both pilots indicated that engine sounds were normal prior to impact. Control continuity was established after the event, and no mechanical anomalies were found.

Weather Conditions

The density altitude at the time was reported as 5,500 feet above mean sea level. Responding officers from the Tucson Airport Police Department reported that winds were out of the south at 10 miles per hour, with occasional variations in direction from west through east.

Investigation Findings

The investigation confirmed control continuity and the absence of mechanical issues. The pilot's report of a down draft was noted, but no official probable cause was determined.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 May 2002 Cessna 172M accident near Green Valley, AZ?

An airplane impacted terrain next to runway 01 during an aborted landing after bouncing. The pilot cited a down draft. No mechanical anomalies were found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 May 2002 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N754LT, at Green Valley, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to identify the wind direction, which led to an attempted downwind landing approach that resulted in a hard landing and severe bounce. Also causal was the pilot's failure to promptly retract the flaps during the rejected landing after touchdown, which led to a stall/mush condition during the…

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020510X00660. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.