Incident Overview
A pilot flying a Cessna 172N was conducting touch and go landings at an airport. During the first landing attempt, the airplane bounced. The pilot took off again and completed another circuit in the traffic pattern. On the second landing, the pilot reported that the touchdown was "very smooth."
Post-Flight Discovery
After landing, the pilot taxied the airplane back to the hangar and shut down the engine. Upon exiting the aircraft, she observed that the propeller was bent by a "small amount." The pilot stated that she had been unaware of any propeller strike during the flight; she did not hear or see anything abnormal during the second takeoff and landing.
Inspection Findings
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane and found wrinkling of the lower firewall and fuselage skin. Both propeller blades were bent aft. The damage was classified as substantial.
Damage Details
- Lower firewall and fuselage skin: wrinkled
- Propeller blades: both bent aft
- Overall damage: substantial
The incident involved no reported injuries or fatalities.