On April 28, 2007, a Cessna T206H (registration N1273E) was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Canyon, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The nose landing gear sheared off following a bounced landing and porpoise pilot induced oscillation. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported that during landing flare, a gust caused a harder than anticipated touchdown, leading to a bounce. After a porpoise oscillation and second hard landing, the nose landing gear sheared off. No mechanical failures were reported.
Incident Details
The nose landing gear of an airplane sheared off after a bounced landing and a pilot-induced porpoise oscillation. The sequence of events began as the aircraft crossed the landing threshold.
Pilot Report
According to a written report by the pilot, he reduced power and began to flare as he passed over the landing threshold. During the flare, a momentary gust of wind caused the airplane to settle to the runway harder than anticipated. The airplane bounced back into the air, the nose pitched up, and the left wing dropped. In response, the pilot pushed forward on the yoke. Upon the second hard landing, the nose landing gear sheared off.
Aircraft Condition
The pilot stated that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight. The incident was attributed solely to the pilot-induced porpoise oscillation and the subsequent hard landing.
Probable cause
The nose landing gear sheared off following a bounced landing and porpoise pilot induced oscillation.