No fatalities

Landing Bounce Precedes Runway Excursion and Tree Strike

Port Townsend, WA, United States

On November 4, 2010, a CESSNA 172S operated by COASTAL AVIATION CAPITAL LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Port Townsend, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper flare/touchdown while landing, resulting in a loss of directional control and a runway excursion. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During a full-stop landing, the airplane bounced, then veered left after second touchdown, departed the runway, and struck a tree with its left wing, causing it to spin before stopping. The pilot reported no mechanical issues and noted a go-around was warranted.

Event Overview

The accident occurred during a planned full-stop landing. After the initial touchdown, the airplane bounced back into the air. It subsequently settled onto the runway for a second time. Immediately following the second touchdown, the airplane veered sharply to the left and departed the runway surface. Before the pilot could bring the airplane to a stop, its left wing struck a tree. The impact caused the airplane to spin around before it eventually came to a stop.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that the airplane experienced no mechanical or directional control anomalies. He further noted that he should have executed a go-around when the airplane first bounced back into the air.

Additional Details

The specific location, date, aircraft type, registration, occupants, and extent of damage were not provided in the source. No injuries or fatalities were mentioned. The time of day and weather conditions were also unspecified. No air traffic control involvement was noted.

The source does not include a probable cause or any analysis beyond the pilot's statement. The article is based solely on the facts presented in the investigation source.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Nov 2010 CESSNA 172S accident near Port Townsend, WA?

During a full-stop landing, the airplane bounced, then veered left after second touchdown, departed the runway, and struck a tree with its left wing, causing it to spin before stopping. The pilot reported no mechanical issues and noted a go-around was warranted.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Nov 2010 CESSNA 172S accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Nov 2010 involved a CESSNA 172S, operated by COASTAL AVIATION CAPITAL LLC, at Port Townsend, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper flare/touchdown while landing, resulting in a loss of directional control and a runway excursion.