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Pilot Reports High Airspeed During Landing Resulting in Multiple Bounces and Damage

Westminster, MD, United States

On September 30, 2011, a CESSNA 172S operated by Frederick Flight Center, Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Westminster, 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. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper approach airspeed for a short-field 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 short-field landing attempt, the pilot reported high airspeed leading to three touchdowns and a go-around. Postflight revealed propeller and firewall damage; no mechanical issues were noted.

Accident Sequence

The pilot reported that during approach for landing on a 1,840-foot-long runway, the airplane's airspeed was higher than recommended for a short field landing. After the first touchdown, the airplane bounced and floated before touching down a second time and bouncing again. The third touchdown was described as "firm," after which the airplane became airborne. The pilot then elected to conduct a go-around and returned to the airport of origin.

Damage

Postflight inspection revealed damage to one propeller blade. Further inspection disclosed substantial damage to the engine firewall.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotLanding flare — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Airspeed — Not attained/maintained

Related events

Same aircraft family

  • 24 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172B
  • 23 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172
  • 18 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172
  • 16 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172M (CK Aviation LLC)
  • 9 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172
  • 8 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172N
  • 7 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172N (Tin Cup Investments INC)
  • 24 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172M
  • 21 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172P (Vascular Wings LLC)
  • 18 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172L (Ocala Aviation Services INC)
  • 16 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172L (Foothill Aircraft Sales and Service Inc.)
  • 9 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172N (Kimber 123 Holdings LLC)

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Sept 2011 CESSNA 172S accident near Westminster, MD?

During a short-field landing attempt, the pilot reported high airspeed leading to three touchdowns and a go-around. Postflight revealed propeller and firewall damage; no mechanical issues were noted.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Sept 2011 CESSNA 172S accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Sept 2011 involved a CESSNA 172S, operated by Frederick Flight Center, Inc, at Westminster, MD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper approach airspeed for a short-field landing.

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