FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Tailwheel Airplane Porpoises During Landing, Noses Over

New Bern, NC, United States

On October 21, 2017, a CESSNA 120 NO SERIES was involved in an aviation accident near New Bern, NC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s improper landing flare and subsequent failure to maintain directional 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

During landing, a tailwheel airplane porpoised after a hard touchdown. The pilot attempted recovery but lost control, resulting in the airplane exiting the runway to the left and nosing over. Substantial damage occurred to the empennage and left wing lift strut.

Incident Overview

A tailwheel-equipped airplane experienced a hard landing that led to a porpoise event. The pilot reported that during the landing, he believed he "just hit a little too hard," causing the airplane to porpoise. He attempted to recover but was unable to regain control.

Sequence of Events

According to the pilot's account, the airplane porpoised after the initial hard touchdown. Despite his attempts to recover, control could not be maintained. Subsequently, the airplane exited the runway to the left and nosed over.

Aircraft Damage

The accident resulted in substantial damage to the empennage and the left wing lift strut. No other damage was reported.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedLanding flare — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Oct 2017 CESSNA 120 NO SERIES accident near New Bern, NC?

During landing, a tailwheel airplane porpoised after a hard touchdown. The pilot attempted recovery but lost control, resulting in the airplane exiting the runway to the left and nosing over. Substantial damage occurred to the empennage and left wing lift strut.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Oct 2017 CESSNA 120 NO SERIES accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Oct 2017 involved a CESSNA 120 NO SERIES, at New Bern, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s improper landing flare and subsequent failure to maintain directional control during landing.

More accident analyses