On December 27, 2003, a Cessna 172R (registration N363SA) was involved in an aviation accident near Bluffton, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper flare and inadequate recovery from a bounced 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.
A student pilot with 38 hours of experience encountered an unexpected wind gust during landing. The aircraft lifted, impacted the runway hard, bounced, and settled nose-first, bending the landing gear strut and striking the propeller.
Event Description
A student pilot was landing when an unexpected wind gust occurred. The gust lifted the airplane upward. Subsequently, the airplane descended and impacted the runway with a very hard force, as described by the pilot. The hard impact caused the airplane to bounce. After the bounce, the airplane settled onto the runway with the nose wheel making first contact.
Pilot's Remarks
The student pilot reported that he was "too relaxed" during the landing approach. He stated that he should have accelerated to avoid the hard runway impact. The pilot had accumulated 38 hours of total flight experience at the time of the event.
Aircraft Damage
The landing gear strut was bent as a result of the nose-first landing. The propeller also struck the runway, causing damage. The airplane came to rest on the runway with the nose wheel in contact.
What happened in the 27 Dec 2003 Cessna 172R accident near Bluffton, OH?
A student pilot with 38 hours of experience encountered an unexpected wind gust during landing. The aircraft lifted, impacted the runway hard, bounced, and settled nose-first, bending the landing gear strut and striking the propeller.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 Dec 2003 involved a Cessna 172R, registration N363SA, at Bluffton, OH.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's improper flare and inadequate recovery from a bounced landing.
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