This September 2009 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 182. Injuries: None. Location: Parowan, Utah. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot reported that on his second landing approach in dark night conditions he was above the glide slope. As he approached the end of the runway, he reduced his rate of descent. This resulted in a flat landing and the airplane bounced.
The pilot pushed in on the yoke to get back down on the runway. This made the second bounce worse than the first. He tried unsuccessfully to pull back on the yoke to prevent the airplane from bouncing a third time. Because he feared another bounce would collapse the landing gear, he initiated a go-around by applying full power and beginning a gentle climb. He reported that the stall warning alerted at about 45 knots and the airplane stalled and crashed.
Probable cause: The pilot’s improper flare and recovery from a bounced landing.
For more information: NTSB.gov. NTSB Identification: WPR09CA469
