On 5 Jun 2015, a CESSNA 177 was involved in an aviation accident near Clewiston, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper level off and flare in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a loss of control and hard landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During landing flare, the pilot encountered rough air and crosswind, resulting in a hard touchdown and porpoising. After a second bounce, a go-around was performed and a pilot-rated passenger landed the airplane. Postaccident inspection revealed substantial fuselage and firewall damage.
Event Details
The pilot reported that during the landing flare the airplane encountered localized rough air and crosswind conditions. On the first landing attempt, the airplane touched down hard and began to porpoise. Following the second bounce, the pilot initiated a go-around and requested that his pilot-rated passenger, who had more experience in the airplane, take the flight controls. The pilot-rated passenger then landed the airplane without further incident.
Aircraft Examination
A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed substantial damage to the fuselage and firewall. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations. He reported winds from a variable direction at 10 knots.