No fatalities

Landing on Wrong Runway Leads to Porpoising and Nose Gear Collapse

Ann Arbor, MI, United States

On June 9, 2013, a CESSNA 172S operated by Aviation Center was involved in an aviation accident near Ann Arbor, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to make a go-around in a timely manner and his loss of control during 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

A pilot landing on runway 30 instead of assigned runway 12 experienced tailwind conditions, bounced, porpoised, and collapsed the nose gear. Pilot statements and witness corroboration provided.

Incident Overview

According to the pilot's statements contained in both the NTSB and Pittsfield Police Department accident reports, the pilot made a stop-and-go landing on runway 6. Due to other airplanes in the traffic pattern, the pilot requested and was cleared to land on runway 12. He inadvertently aligned the airplane with runway 30 and was subsequently cleared to land on that runway.

Wind Conditions and Landing

The recorded wind was almost a direct tailwind (110 degrees) at 12 knots, gusting to 17 knots. The pilot said he touched down at 50 to 60 KIAS (knots indicated airspeed) and about 700 feet short of the intersection with runway 06-24. A slight upward slope at the intersection caused the airplane to bounce and become airborne.

Post-Bounce Actions

The pilot contemplated making a go-around, but elected to continue the landing. Upon touching down again, the airplane began to porpoise, the nose wheel collapsed, and the airplane came to a stop.

Corroborating Statements

The passengers and a witness corroborated the pilot's statements.

Postaccident Examination

Postaccident examination revealed buckling of the engine firewall and a hole in the bottom of the fuselage.

Contributing factors

Causes

Pilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Jun 2013 CESSNA 172S accident near Ann Arbor, MI?

A pilot landing on runway 30 instead of assigned runway 12 experienced tailwind conditions, bounced, porpoised, and collapsed the nose gear. Pilot statements and witness corroboration provided.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Jun 2013 CESSNA 172S accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Jun 2013 involved a CESSNA 172S, operated by Aviation Center, at Ann Arbor, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s failure to make a go-around in a timely manner and his loss of control during landing.