Landing gear collapse during takeoff and landing sequence

Casualties unknown • Pottstown, PA, US

A pilot experienced a series of bounces during a landing attempt following a short field takeoff, resulting in a landing gear collapse.

What happened

The pilot performed a short field takeoff using 20 degrees of flaps. During the climb, the aircraft rotated at speeds between 40 and 50 knots, at which point the stall warning horn activated. The pilot noted that the aircraft handled sluggishly during the ascent. Upon reaching 400 feet, the pilot retracted the flaps to 10 degrees and initiated a left turn back toward the runway.

During the subsequent landing, the aircraft touched down on the nose wheel first. This caused the aircraft to begin porpoising down the runway. After approximately two or three bounces, the landing gear collapsed, causing the propeller to make contact with the ground. The pilot was not injured during the event.

The investigation

The pilot reported no mechanical deficiencies with the aircraft. Records indicated that the pilot had 150 hours of total flight experience, with only 1 hour of flight time specifically in this aircraft type.

Probable cause

The landing gear collapsed following a series of bounces during the landing phase after an initial nose-wheel touchdown.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-07-04 Cessna 172C accident near Pottstown, PA?

A pilot experienced a series of bounces during a landing attempt following a short field takeoff, resulting in a landing gear collapse.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-07-04 involved a Cessna 172C, registration N38RA, operated by Gateway Aviation, at Pottstown, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The landing gear collapsed following a series of bounces during the landing phase after an initial nose-wheel touchdown.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040715X00981. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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