No fatalities

Bounce Landing Results in Wingtip Strike and Substantial Damage

Hot Springs, AR, United States

On April 28, 2011, a CESSNA A185F operated by TEN SOUTH SKYWAGON LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Hot Springs, AR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced landing. 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 with flaps fully extended, the airplane bounced twice, causing the left wingtip to strike the runway. The pilot regained control and taxied to parking. Substantial damage to the left wing and aileron.

Accident Overview

The pilot approached the runway for a full stop landing with the wing flaps fully extended. Upon touchdown, the airplane bounced twice, and during the second bounce, the left wingtip impacted the runway. The pilot was able to regain control of the airplane and subsequently taxied to parking.

Damage and Conditions

The left wing and aileron sustained substantial damage during the impact. Seven minutes before the accident, the automated weather observing system (AWOS) at the airport reported winds variable at 6 knots. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane prior to the accident.

Contributing factors

Pilot

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Apr 2011 CESSNA A185F accident near Hot Springs, AR?

During a full stop landing with flaps fully extended, the airplane bounced twice, causing the left wingtip to strike the runway. The pilot regained control and taxied to parking. Substantial damage to the left wing and aileron.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Apr 2011 CESSNA A185F accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Apr 2011 involved a CESSNA A185F, operated by TEN SOUTH SKYWAGON LLC, at Hot Springs, AR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced landing.