On September 14, 2003, a Cessna 172M (registration N73179) was involved in an aviation accident near Tucson, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot felt the accident was the result of the airplane being at too slow of airspeed on final and his delayed reaction. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot made a hard landing, collapsing the nose gear, after a low airspeed and high sink rate on final. A go-around attempt failed following partial flap retraction.
Sequence of Events
During the final approach, the aircraft's airspeed decreased and a high sink rate developed approximately five feet above the runway surface. The pilot applied power, but the airplane impacted the runway. He then attempted a go-around by increasing power. As the airplane established a slight climb, the pilot partially retracted the flaps. Subsequently, the airplane descended again and collided with the runway. The nose landing gear collapsed, and the airplane skidded on its nose.
Environmental Conditions
The METAR reported wind from 330 degrees at 4 knots. The pilot was landing on Runway 11R.
Pilot's Assessment
The pilot attributed the accident to the airplane being at too slow an airspeed on final and his delayed reaction.
Probable cause
The pilot felt the accident was the result of the airplane being at too slow of airspeed on final and his delayed reaction.
What happened in the 14 Sept 2003 Cessna 172M accident near Tucson, AZ?
A pilot made a hard landing, collapsing the nose gear, after a low airspeed and high sink rate on final. A go-around attempt failed following partial flap retraction.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Sept 2003 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N73179, at Tucson, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot felt the accident was the result of the airplane being at too slow of airspeed on final and his delayed reaction.
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