On July 4, 2004, a Cessna 172C (registration N38RA) operated by Gateway Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Pottstown, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate flare, which resulted in a hard landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a short field takeoff with 20 degrees of flaps, the pilot heard the stall warning horn after rotation, described the airplane as sluggish, retracted flaps to 10 degrees at 400 feet, turned back, and landed on the nose wheel, causing porpoising and gear collapse.
Takeoff and Initial Climb
The pilot initiated a short field takeoff with the flaps set to 20 degrees. After rotation at an indicated airspeed between 40 and 50 knots, the airplane began to climb. During the climb, the pilot heard the stall warning horn. He described the airplane's handling as "sluggishly." At an altitude of 400 feet, he retracted the flaps to 10 degrees.
Return and Landing
The pilot then initiated a left turn back toward the runway. The airplane touched down first on the nose wheel, after which it began to porpoise down the runway. It bounced several times. During approximately the second or third bounce, the landing gear collapsed and the propeller came into contact with the ground.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane. He stated that he had a total of 150 hours of flight experience, with 1 hour of that experience in the make and model of the accident airplane.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 4 Jul 2004 Cessna 172C accident near Pottstown, PA?
During a short field takeoff with 20 degrees of flaps, the pilot heard the stall warning horn after rotation, described the airplane as sluggish, retracted flaps to 10 degrees at 400 feet, turned back, and landed on the nose wheel, causing porpoising and gear collapse.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Jul 2004 involved a Cessna 172C, registration N38RA, operated by Gateway Aviation, at Pottstown, PA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inadequate flare, which resulted in a hard landing.