On August 19, 2003, a Cessna 172 (registration N229ME) was involved in an aviation accident near Cleveland, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During landing, the airplane ballooned multiple times, experienced violent nosewheel vibration, and veered off the runway, resulting in a wrinkled and split firewall.
Incident Description
The pilot approached the runway at 70 knots. After crossing over the runway numbers, the pilot idled the engine and leveled off. During the flare, the airplane floated for a period before landing. Upon touchdown, the pilot heard a noise and initially believed that the airplane had struck something. The airplane then ballooned approximately 5 feet into the air and landed again. At that moment, the nosewheel began to vibrate violently. Recognizing that something was wrong, the pilot decided not to execute a go-around. The airplane ballooned a second time, rising about 7 or 8 feet into the air, then landed hard on the nosewheel and bounced once more. After the airplane settled onto the runway, it veered to the right and departed the paved surface, coming to rest on the grass.
Aircraft Damage
Examination of the airplane revealed that the firewall was completely wrinkled and had split approximately 10 inches upward from its base. No other damage was reported in the source.
What happened in the 19 Aug 2003 Cessna 172 accident near Cleveland, OH?
During landing, the airplane ballooned multiple times, experienced violent nosewheel vibration, and veered off the runway, resulting in a wrinkled and split firewall.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Aug 2003 involved a Cessna 172, registration N229ME, at Cleveland, OH.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
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