Casualties unknown

Pilot Induced Oscillation Leads to Propeller Strike at Sanford-Lee County (N72675)

Sanford, NC, US

On April 10, 2006, a Cessna C-172S (registration N72675) was involved in an aviation accident near Sanford, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper landing flare which resulted in a hard 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 returning to Sanford-Lee County Airport reported a hard landing after flaring too high, causing a nose wheel contact and subsequent pilot induced oscillation that resulted in a propeller strike.

Incident Overview

A pilot flying a single-engine aircraft experienced a runway incident while attempting a straight-in approach to runway 3 at Sanford-Lee County Airport. The pilot had been returning to the airport via the Sandhills VOR and reported that the flight was normal until the landing phase.

Sequence of Events

According to the pilot, the approach was stable, but during the flare, the aircraft was flared too high. As the pilot compensated, the nose dropped and the nose wheel contacted the runway. This contact introduced what the pilot described as a "pilot induced oscillation". During the second contact with the ground, the propeller struck the runway surface.

Aircraft Damage

The propeller strike resulted in damage to the propeller and likely other components, though the source does not specify the extent of damage to other parts of the aircraft. No injuries were reported by the pilot.

Pilot Statement

The pilot provided a statement detailing the events, noting that the oscillation was a direct consequence of the initial hard nose wheel contact. The pilot did not attribute the incident to any mechanical failure or environmental factors.

Investigation

No official probable cause has been stated by the investigating authorities. The incident remains under review based on the pilot's account and any physical evidence from the aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Apr 2006 Cessna C-172S accident near Sanford, NC?

A pilot returning to Sanford-Lee County Airport reported a hard landing after flaring too high, causing a nose wheel contact and subsequent pilot induced oscillation that resulted in a propeller strike.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Apr 2006 involved a Cessna C-172S, registration N72675, at Sanford, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper landing flare which resulted in a hard landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060510X00536. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.