Casualties unknown

Porpoise Landing Precedes Runway Excursion and Nose-Over (N3541A)

Plainville, CT, US

On July 7, 2002, a Cessna 182T (registration N3541A) was involved in an aviation accident near Plainville, CT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During final landing in a moderate crosswind, the airplane porpoised, veered right after a gust, exited the runway, nosed over, and struck a fence. No mechanical anomalies were found.

Event Summary

The pilot reported completing several touch-and-go landings without difficulty in a moderate crosswind. During the final landing, the airplane touched down on the runway and then began to porpoise. On the second bounce, a gust of wind pushed the airplane to the right side of the runway. The airplane continued off the runway, went over an embankment, subsequently nosed over, and collided with a fence.

Aircraft and Pilot Information

The specific aircraft type and registration are not provided in the source. The pilot reported no difficulty during previous touch-and-go landings. No mechanical anomalies with the airplane were identified.

Sequence of Events

The pilot stated that after the initial touchdown, the airplane porpoised. Following the second bounce, a wind gust caused the airplane to drift rightward. It departed the runway surface, traversed an embankment, then nosed over and struck a fence. The source does not specify the location, date, or time of day.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Jul 2002 Cessna 182T accident near Plainville, CT?

During final landing in a moderate crosswind, the airplane porpoised, veered right after a gust, exited the runway, nosed over, and struck a fence. No mechanical anomalies were found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Jul 2002 involved a Cessna 182T, registration N3541A, at Plainville, CT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020710X01085. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.