Casualties unknown

Porpoise Landing Damages Firewall and Propeller on Private Airstrip (N3344Y)

Roset, WY, US

On August 4, 2006, a Cessna 182E (registration N3344Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Roset, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: an inadvertent pilot-induced porpoise and his improper remedial action. A contributing factor was the wind gust. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot experienced a sharp gust during landing on a private airstrip, touching down too fast. The aircraft porpoised and the nose gear struck hard, resulting in a wrinkled firewall and bent propeller.

Incident Details

A pilot was landing on runway 34 at his private airstrip, which measured 2,100 feet by 50 feet and consisted of a dirt surface. The wind, as reported by a nearby Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS), was from 300 degrees at 7 knots with gusts to 16 knots. The pilot configured the aircraft for approach at 65 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS) using 20 degrees of flaps.

Pilot Report

According to the pilot, during short final he experienced a sharp gust of wind. In response, he increased power and added more left rudder to compensate. The airplane touched down at a speed 12 to 15 knots faster than intended. Subsequently, the aircraft began to porpoise halfway down the runway. The nose gear struck the runway sharply. The pilot then taxied the airplane to his hangar.

Damage

A post-accident examination revealed that the firewall was wrinkled and the propeller was bent.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060817X01209. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.