19 May 2014: CESSNA 172 - R — Westwind Aviation Incorporated

19 May 2014: CESSNA 172 - R — Westwind Aviation Incorporated

No fatalities • Buckeye, AZ, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported that at the last moment before touchdown a sudden gust of wind abruptly pushed the airplane to the left side of the runway. Able to maintain control with rudder input, after landing the pilot exited the runway, and parked the airplane. The pilot conducted a visual examination of the airplane and detected no anomalies. He then departed to practice maneuvers before returning to the home base airport. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that both propeller blade tips were damaged, the fuselage skin was wrinkled, and the firewall had sustained substantial damage as a result of a hard landing. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • cause Incorrect use/operation
  • Effect on operation

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 200/12kt, vis 10sm

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