On 28 Sep 2011, a CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR20 operated by INN FLYING CLUB INC was involved in an aviation accident near Gaitherburg, MD. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a loss of airplane control. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot conducting touch-and-go landings experienced a hard landing and nose gear collapse after spotting birds on the runway, resulting in substantial damage to the engine firewall.
Accident Details
A pilot reported that during the sixth landing in a series of practice takeoffs and landings in the airport traffic pattern, he observed a flock of birds at the end of the runway. In response, he attempted to touch down and stop the airplane in a shorter than normal distance. The pilot stated that the airplane touched down hard and then porpoised several times. On the final touchdown, the nose gear collapsed.
Aircraft Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane after the accident and observed substantial damage to the engine firewall. No other damage details were specified.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported to the FAA that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane. The pilot had previously completed five normal practice takeoffs and landings during the same flight.