What happened
Shortly after takeoff, the pilot of a Cessna 172 observed that the forward baggage compartment had opened. Consequently, the pilot entered the traffic pattern to return to the departure airport for an immediate landing.
The approach was reported as normal; however, while on short final, the aircraft's descent rate increased. The main landing gear contacted the ground approximately 5 feet short of the runway threshold. Following this contact, the aircraft bounced on the runway surface and continued along the runway centerline for approximately 1,200 feet. During this sequence, the left main landing gear separated from the aircraft. The aircraft then veered to the left side of the runway and into the grass area. There were no injuries reported.
The investigation
The pilot stated that prior to the accident, there had been no mechanical failures or malfunctions involving the aircraft or any of its systems.