On May 7, 2007, a Cessna 172R (registration N51827) was involved in an aviation accident near Chesterfield, MO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Inadequate flare during landing. The induced oscillation, not performing a go-around, the pilot's lack of experience and the failure to perform remedial action were factors. 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.
A student pilot reported that during a straight-in visual approach, the airplane was high and fast. Feeling pressure from ATC to land, he continued the approach, resulting in a porpoise during flare. He was unfamiliar with porpoising and how to correct it.
Background
A student pilot was conducting a straight-in visual approach. According to the pilot, the airplane was high, fast, and above the glide path provided by the visual approach slope indicator.
Sequence of Events
The student pilot stated that he could have performed a go-around but felt pressure by air traffic control to land. He also felt pressure to comply with air traffic control instructions and to clear the airspace as quickly as possible rather than seek an alternative course of action. During the flare, the nose was lowered and the airplane began to porpoise. The student pilot stated that he did not know what a porpoise was at the time and how to correct from it.
Pilot Statement
The student pilot acknowledged that a go-around was an option but chose to continue due to perceived pressure from air traffic control. He further stated his lack of familiarity with the porpoise phenomenon and corrective techniques.
What happened in the 7 May 2007 Cessna 172R accident near Chesterfield, MO?
A student pilot reported that during a straight-in visual approach, the airplane was high and fast. Feeling pressure from ATC to land, he continued the approach, resulting in a porpoise during flare. He was unfamiliar with porpoising and how to correct it.
Were there any fatalities in the 7 May 2007 Cessna 172R accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 May 2007 involved a Cessna 172R, registration N51827, at Chesterfield, MO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Inadequate flare during landing. The induced oscillation, not performing a go-around, the pilot's lack of experience and the failure to perform remedial action were factors.
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