Pilot loses control after bounce on final approach

Casualties unknown • Orange Springs, FL, US

A pilot attempted to correct for wind gusts during landing, causing an excessive climb and hard bounce. The aircraft overran the runway and struck a fence despite brake application.

What happened

The pilot reported executing a standard traffic pattern, entering downwind, base, and final legs for a normal approach to runway 17. During the flare phase of landing, a sudden wind gust displaced the aircraft to the left. In an attempt to counteract this drift, the pilot added power, which inadvertently caused the airplane to climb rather than settle onto the pavement.

The aircraft subsequently touched down and bounced between 18 and 20 feet in the air. After the second touchdown, the pilot managed to land the airplane approximately two-thirds of the way down the runway length. Brakes were applied immediately; however, the aircraft failed to stop within the remaining runway distance and collided with a fence at the end of the paved surface.

The investigation

Post-incident review indicated no mechanical discrepancies with the airplane or its systems prior to the event. The pilot confirmed that the aircraft was operating normally up until the wind gust affected the flare.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing flare due to a wind gust, which resulted in an excessive bounce and subsequent runway overrun.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-03-13 Cessna 180A accident near Orange Springs, FL?

A pilot attempted to correct for wind gusts during landing, causing an excessive climb and hard bounce. The aircraft overran the runway and struck a fence despite brake application.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-03-13 involved a Cessna 180A, registration N5341D, at Orange Springs, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing flare due to a wind gust, which resulted in an excessive bounce and subsequent runway overrun.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050401X00396. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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