On June 12, 2005, a Cessna 172R (registration N2384L) operated by Pigs Can Fly Aviation, Llc was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Maria, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and proper flare technique during landing, which resulted in a hard touchdown on the nose gear. 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 experienced a bouncy landing that resulted in a hard touchdown on the nose gear, leading to significant airframe damage including a struck propeller and damaged firewall.
What happened
The aircraft touched down on the runway in a flat attitude. Following initial contact, the airplane bounced upward and exhibited porpoising behavior. The pilot responded by adding power to the engine. Subsequently, the aircraft descended rapidly and impacted the runway surface hard on the nose landing gear. This impact caused the propeller to strike the ground and resulted in damage to the firewall.
The investigation
Post-acc examination revealed that the propeller had contacted the runway surface. Structural damage was confirmed on the firewall of the airframe. The extent of the damage was consistent with a hard landing on the nose gear.
Findings
The student pilot reported that the initial touchdown was flat. However, the pilot noted that the severity of the impact did not feel as severe as previous landing experiences. The sequence of events involved a bounce followed by a porpoising motion before the final hard contact with the nose wheel.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and proper flare technique during landing, which resulted in a hard touchdown on the nose gear.
What happened in the 12 Jun 2005 Cessna 172R accident near Santa Maria, CA?
A student pilot experienced a bouncy landing that resulted in a hard touchdown on the nose gear, leading to significant airframe damage including a struck propeller and damaged firewall.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 12 Jun 2005 involved a Cessna 172R, registration N2384L, operated by Pigs Can Fly Aviation, Llc, at Santa Maria, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and proper flare technique during landing, which resulted in a hard touchdown on the nose gear.
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