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Pilot Given Unfamiliar Cessna 162 Experiences Bounced Landing and Runway Excursion

Erie, CO, United States

On May 22, 2013, a CESSNA 162 operated by Vector Air, LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Erie, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s total lack of experience in aircraft make/model, and his failure to maintain directional control during landing. Contributing to the accident was the operator’s lack of oversight is allowing the airplane to be rented to the pilot. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot who had reserved a Cessna 172 was mistakenly given a Cessna 162, a type he had never flown. After practicing slow flight, he returned for landing, bounced, porpoised, and veered off the runway, causing substantial damage to the aircraft.

Flight Details

A pilot rented an aircraft for a flight, having reserved a Cessna 172. However, he was mistakenly provided a Cessna 162, a model he had never flown before. He proceeded to the practice area and performed slow flight maneuvers with the flaps extended.

Landing and Excursion

Upon returning to the airport for landing, the pilot noticed a helicopter ahead of him on the runway and considered initiating a go-around. The helicopter cleared the runway, and the pilot decided to continue with the landing. The airplane was traveling too fast, causing it to bounce and then porpoise. The aircraft then veered off the west side of the runway. During the excursion, the nose gear collapsed, and the left wing struck the ground. The airplane came to rest approximately midfield.

Damage and Pilot Background

The operator reported that the firewall, fuselage, and rear bulkhead were buckled, and the left front and rear wing spars were bent. The pilot stated that he had never flown or received a checkout in a Cessna 162. Additionally, he had not flown for some time and was attempting to regain currency.

Contributing factors

Causes

Pilot

Other contributing factors

Operator

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 May 2013 CESSNA 162 accident near Erie, CO?

A pilot who had reserved a Cessna 172 was mistakenly given a Cessna 162, a type he had never flown. After practicing slow flight, he returned for landing, bounced, porpoised, and veered off the runway, causing substantial damage to the aircraft.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 May 2013 CESSNA 162 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 May 2013 involved a CESSNA 162, operated by Vector Air, LLC, at Erie, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s total lack of experience in aircraft make/model, and his failure to maintain directional control during landing. Contributing to the accident was the operator’s lack of oversight is allowing the airplane to be rented to the pilot.

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