28 Jul 2012: CESSNA 172

28 Jul 2012: CESSNA 172 — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Grand Canyon, AZ, United States

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper flare and inadequate recovery from a bounced landing.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported that upon entering the airport traffic pattern, he remained at a higher altitude than normal on downwind and base legs due to helicopter traffic. Upon turning final, the approach angle to the runway was steeper than normal, and the airplane was still high. The pilot stated that due to the steeper approach angle he misjudged the landing flare; the airplane landed hard, bounced, and began to porpoise. As he attempted to abort the landing, the airplane veered to the right and landed in the dirt adjacent to the runway. Subsequently, the airplane nosed over, which resulted in structural damage to both wings, vertical stabilizer, and rudder. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

  • cause Landing flare — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Pilot

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 230/04kt, vis 10sm

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