Pilot-Submitted Summary of High-Speed Bounce Landing

Casualties unknown • Bunnell, FL, US

A pilot reported a high-speed bounce landing on the runway centerline before braking off the end onto grass. The incident involved excessive touchdown speed and improper brake application during rollout.

What happened

The pilot provided a narrative summary of the accident sequence, detailing the approach and landing phases. During the base leg, the aircraft was maintained at an airspeed of 80 knots with 20 degrees of flaps deployed while flying at an altitude of 600 feet above ground level.

On final approach, the pilot reduced airspeed to 70 knots and adjusted the engine power to 800 RPM. Full flaps (30 degrees) were extended as the aircraft continued its descent. The throttle was idled, and the flare maneuver began at an altitude of 50 feet.

The pilot reported that flight conditions remained normal until touchdown. Upon contact with the runway surface, the aircraft bounced once with excessive speed near the center of the runway. Following the bounce, the pilot turned off the landing lights and set the transponder to standby. Flaps were kept down to assist with aerodynamic braking during the rollout.

As the aircraft approached the end of the runway, the pilot applied both brakes simultaneously. Subsequently, only the right brake was used, causing the aircraft to veer off the paved surface and enter the grass.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-10-18 Cessna 172R accident near Bunnell, FL?

A pilot reported a high-speed bounce landing on the runway centerline before braking off the end onto grass. The incident involved excessive touchdown speed and improper brake application during rollout.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-10-18 involved a Cessna 172R, registration N2621U, operated by Phoenix East Aviation Inc, at Bunnell, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's misjudged distance/speed, and his delayed braking during landing, which resulted in the airplane overrunning the runway and impacting a ditch.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20051103X01779. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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