Casualties unknown

Bounced Landing During Practice Leads to Porpoise and Loss of Control (N66113)

Clearwater, FL, US

On May 2, 2005, a Cessna 172SP (registration N66113) was involved in an aviation accident near Clearwater, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper flare and recovery from a bounced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot practicing full-stop landings experienced a bounced landing followed by porpoise and loss of control. The pilot reported misjudging the bounce and failing to apply power. No mechanical issues were noted.

Accident Summary

During a practice session involving traffic patterns and full-stop landings, a pilot reported that the first landing was satisfactory, touching down just beyond the runway numbers. The second traffic pattern progressed normally until the final approach, when the pilot noted that the airspeed was too high. The airplane touched down past the runway numbers and bounced "high". The pilot stated that he misjudged the severity of the bounce and did not apply engine power to correct it. Subsequently, the airplane began to porpoise and became "uncontrollable".

Pilot's Account

According to the pilot, there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane or any of its systems prior to the accident. The pilot was practicing landings to a full stop. The first landing was described as satisfactory, landing just beyond the runway numbers. For the second approach, the pilot found himself on short final with excessive airspeed. The touchdown occurred past the runway numbers, resulting in a high bounce. The pilot misjudged the bounce severity and failed to add power, which led to a porpoise and loss of control.

Additional Information

No other details were provided in the source regarding the aircraft type, registration, or outcome of the accident. The report is based solely on the pilot's statement.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 May 2005 Cessna 172SP accident near Clearwater, FL?

A pilot practicing full-stop landings experienced a bounced landing followed by porpoise and loss of control. The pilot reported misjudging the bounce and failing to apply power. No mechanical issues were noted.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 May 2005 involved a Cessna 172SP, registration N66113, at Clearwater, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper flare and recovery from a bounced landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050630X00900. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.