On April 8, 2007, a Cessna C-150H (registration N6555S) operated by Tony R. Willis was involved in an aviation accident near Dyersburg, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student's pilot's misjudged distance/altitude that led to an undershoot and a failure to attain the proper touchdown point. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot practicing spot landings collided with a ditch short of the runway threshold, causing landing gear and airframe damage. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical issues.
Incident Overview
A student pilot reported that his airplane collided with a ditch short of the runway threshold while practicing "on point or spot landings." According to the pilot's statement, he landed too close to the south end of the strip, causing the left landing gear to catch in a ditch approximately 8 inches from the top. The gear bent backward, and the aircraft veered left. The pilot regained control and brought the aircraft to a stop.
Pilot Account
The student pilot noted that he "should have picked a spot further down the runway to practice spot landings." He did not report any pre-impact mechanical problems with the airplane.
Damage
The accident resulted in damage to both landing gear and surrounding airframe structure.