On November 5, 2004, a Cessna 172S (registration N20519) operated by Angel Air, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Chandler, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing factors were his improper recovery from the subsequent bounced landing and pilot-induced oscillations. 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 on a solo instructional flight executed a hard landing that deformed the airplane's firewall and led to a propeller strike after multiple pilot-induced oscillations.
Incident Overview
During a solo instructional flight, a student pilot performed a hard landing that resulted in deformation of the airplane's firewall. The event was observed by a witness who provided additional details about the landing sequence.
Witness Account
The witness reported that after the initial touchdown, the airplane experienced three additional pilot-induced oscillations. During these oscillations, engine power increased and the elevator moved up and down repeatedly. On the third bounce, the witness heard the airplane's propeller impact the runway.
Pilot Experience
The student pilot had accumulated approximately 2.2 hours of total solo flying experience at the time of the incident. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions with the airplane during the accident flight.
What happened in the 5 Nov 2004 Cessna 172S accident near Chandler, AZ?
A student pilot on a solo instructional flight executed a hard landing that deformed the airplane's firewall and led to a propeller strike after multiple pilot-induced oscillations.
Were there any fatalities in the 5 Nov 2004 Cessna 172S accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Nov 2004 involved a Cessna 172S, registration N20519, operated by Angel Air, Inc., at Chandler, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing factors were his improper recovery from the subsequent bounced landing and pilot-induced oscillations.
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