No fatalities

10 Jun 2011: CESSNA 172R — SILVER EXPRESS CO — Naples, FL

Naples, FL, United States

On 10 Jun 2011, a CESSNA 172R operated by SILVER EXPRESS CO was involved in an aviation accident near Naples, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s improper flare and recovery from a bounced landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 13 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that during landing, a large insect hitting the windscreen and a gust of wind caused overcompensation, porpoising, and a bounce, resulting in propeller strike, nose tire deflation, and substantial damage.

Summary

A pilot reported an accident during the late stage of an approach to land. The incident involved a sequence of events starting with a distraction and a wind gust, leading to control issues and subsequent damage to the aircraft.

Sequence of Events

According to the pilot, while on approach, a large insect struck the windscreen, causing a distraction. At the same time, a gust of wind disturbed the aircraft's attitude. In response, the pilot overcompensated with the flight controls, which resulted in the airplane porpoising. The porpoising motion led to a premature touchdown, causing the airplane to bounce.

Damage

As the airplane bounced, the propeller struck the runway. Additionally, the nose tire deflated. The impact from the propeller strike and the deflation substantially damaged the firewall and the lower fuselage.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that no mechanical problems were experienced with the airplane prior to the accident. The pilot's account attributes the event to the distraction from the insect and the gust of wind, which together led to the overcompensation and subsequent porpoising.

Contributing factors

PilotPitch control — Not attained/maintainedIncorrect use/operation