On August 29, 2004, a Cessna 172S (registration N2099J) operated by MC Air was involved in an aviation accident near Erie, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's excessive airspeed during the approach, which led to ballooning, porpoising, and a subsequent nose gear impact. 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 pilot aborted a landing after ballooning and porpoising, striking the nose gear. A postflight inspection at BJC revealed firewall wrinkles and propeller damage.
What happened
The pilot reported that during the final approach, the aircraft's speed was excessive, causing it to balloon above the runway threshold. As the airplane descended, it began to porpoise, resulting in an impact with the nose landing gear. Recognizing the situation, the pilot applied additional power and initiated a go-around, aborting the landing attempt.
At the time of the incident, the pilot was unaware that the aircraft had sustained damage from striking a propeller against the ground or runway surface. The flight subsequently returned to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC). Upon conducting a postflight inspection, visible damage was identified, specifically wrinkling of the firewall and damage to the propeller.
Probable cause
The pilot's excessive airspeed during the approach, which led to ballooning, porpoising, and a subsequent nose gear impact.
What happened in the 29 Aug 2004 Cessna 172S accident near Erie, CO?
A pilot aborted a landing after ballooning and porpoising, striking the nose gear. A postflight inspection at BJC revealed firewall wrinkles and propeller damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 29 Aug 2004 Cessna 172S accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Aug 2004 involved a Cessna 172S, registration N2099J, operated by MC Air, at Erie, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's excessive airspeed during the approach, which led to ballooning, porpoising, and a subsequent nose gear impact.
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