This August 2010 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Cessna Cardinal Injuries: None. Location: Ocean City, Maryland Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot was attempting to land. He entered a left traffic pattern for runway 20 and completed all checklist items. He flared the airplane at 25 feet above the ground and it touched down on the main landing gear and bounced back into the air.
As he applied aft pressure on the control yoke, the airplane touched down on the runway, and bounced back into the air. After applying full power, the airplane touched back down, bounced again, and the nose wheel tire blew.
Examination revealed that the firewall was bent and the fuselage skin was wrinkled. The pilot reported winds from 050° at 9 knots.
Probable cause: The pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced downwind landing.
For more information: NTSB.gov. NTSB Identification: ERA10CA460
