On 19 Apr 2015, a CESSNA 172S S operated by REXAIR SALES AND LEASING LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Naples, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A gust of wind lifted the airplane's nose during landing, resulting in abnormal runway contact and a hard landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot reported that a gust of wind lifted the airplane's nose during landing, causing abnormal runway contact and a hard landing that substantially damaged the fuselage, cockpit floor board, and firewall.
Incident Overview
A pilot reported that during the landing roll, a gust of wind lifted the nose of the tri-cycle landing gear equipped airplane. This resulted in abnormal contact with the runway and a subsequent hard landing.
Damage Assessment
The hard landing inflicted substantial damage to the airplane's fuselage, cockpit floor board, and firewall. The pilot stated that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.
Reported Cause
According to the pilot, the gust of wind that lifted the nose was the precipitating event leading to the abnormal runway contact and hard landing.
Probable cause
A gust of wind lifted the airplane's nose during landing, resulting in abnormal runway contact and a hard landing.
Contributing factors
Causes
PilotPerformance/control parameters — Not attained/maintained