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Runway Impact Following Bounced Landing on Final Approach (N734JT)

Melbourne, FL, US

On October 21, 2003, a Cessna 172N (registration N734JT) operated by Indian River Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near Melbourne, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Inadvertent full retraction of the flaps, while recovering from a bounced landing, resulting in an inadvertent stall, uncontrolled descent, and subsequent impact with terrain. 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.

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

A private pilot on final approach for runway 4 flared too high with full flaps, resulting in multiple bounces. After applying full throttle and retracting flaps, the airplane pitched nose-down and impacted the runway, damaging the propeller and fuselage.

Approach and Landing

During the final approach for runway 4, the private-rated pilot flared the airplane too high while the flaps were set to full. The airplane touched down and subsequently bounced two to three times, with the last bounce reaching an estimated height of 25 to 35 feet.

Pilot Actions and Impact

In response to the bounce, the pilot applied full throttle, turned the carburetor heat off, and activated the flap switch to retract one notch of flaps. Following these inputs, the airplane pitched nose-down and impacted the runway. Ground scars on the north edge of the runway, consistent with propeller blade contact, were observed.

Damage and Post-Accident Findings

Inspection revealed damage to the fuselage and propeller, with one of the propeller blades bent forward. After the accident, the pilot noted that the flaps had fully retracted.

Aerodynamic stall

Related events

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Oct 2003 Cessna 172N accident near Melbourne, FL?

A private pilot on final approach for runway 4 flared too high with full flaps, resulting in multiple bounces. After applying full throttle and retracting flaps, the airplane pitched nose-down and impacted the runway, damaging the propeller and fuselage.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Oct 2003 Cessna 172N accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Oct 2003 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N734JT, operated by Indian River Flying Club, at Melbourne, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Inadvertent full retraction of the flaps, while recovering from a bounced landing, resulting in an inadvertent stall, uncontrolled descent, and subsequent impact with terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20031120X01932. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.