What happened
On March 24, 2011, a Cessna 172S, registration JA33UK, operated by Honda Airways Co. Ltd., was conducting a solo flight from Kumamoto Airport. The flight, performed by a student pilot, was intended for air maneuvers. During the landing phase on runway 07, the aircraft experienced an unexpected sudden sink, followed by a bounce upon touchdown.
Following the initial bounce, the aircraft bounced a second time at a greater height. The pilot attempted to continue the landing procedure rather than executing an immediate go-around. During this second settling, the aircraft struck the runway with a nose-low attitude. This impact caused the propeller blades to strike the pavement, resulting in bent and chipped blade tips, and caused significant distortion to the fuselage structure and firewall. During the subsequent go-around attempt, the pilot also experienced a temporary blackout of the Primary Flight Display (PFD) and unusual vibrations, though the PFD recovered during the climb.
The investigation
The Japan Transport Safety Board (JTSB) examined the flight history, aircraft maintenance records, and meteorological data. Investigators analyzed the physical damage to the Cessna 172S, noting that a pitch-down angle of approximately 17.2 degrees was required for the propeller to contact the runway. The investigation also reviewed training records, noting that the student pilot had a known tendency toward premature roundouts and high pitch attitudes. Meteorological observations at the time indicated a light wind from 330 degrees at 5 knots, with directional fluctuations that may have contributed to the unexpected sink rate during the approach.
Findings
- The aircraft's approach speed was higher than recommended, with a threshold airspeed of 71 knots against a target of 65 knots.
- A combination of high airspeed, wind fluctuations, and improper landing attitude resulted in the initial bounce.
- The student pilot likely pushed the control wheel or failed to maintain sufficient back elevator pressure, leading to the nose-low contact with the runway.
- The failure to execute an immediate go-around after the first bounce contributed to the severity of the impact.
- The impact caused substantial damage to the propeller blades and the forward fuselage structure.