Casualties unknown

Hard Landing and Porpoise Result in Substantial Damage (N4775D)

ST Charles, MO, US

On October 8, 2006, a Cessna 172N (registration N4775D) was involved in an aviation accident near ST Charles, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to take action to correct the porpoise, resulting in the wreck. 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.

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

An airplane sustained substantial damage during landing after the pilot failed to correct a porpoise following a hard impact with the runway.

Accident

The airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted the runway during landing.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported entering a right downwind for runway 27. Upon turning final, he realized the airplane was high. He corrected by increasing the flap setting to 30 degrees and reducing power to descend "a little quicker." He stated, "As I came over the threshold, I realized I was coming down too fast, but still felt I was OK. In the last seconds, I realized I was in trouble. The force with which we hit the runway was much harder than I expected." The airplane bounced upon contact with the runway. The pilot noted, "I thought it would bounce and then settle down. When it porpoised, I failed to take action to correct it, resulting in the wreck."

Outcome

The airplane sustained substantial damage. No other details were provided.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to take action to correct the porpoise, resulting in the wreck.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Oct 2006 Cessna 172N accident near ST Charles, MO?

An airplane sustained substantial damage during landing after the pilot failed to correct a porpoise following a hard impact with the runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Oct 2006 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N4775D, at ST Charles, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot failed to take action to correct the porpoise, resulting in the wreck.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20061020X01549. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.