Aircraft: Liberty XL-2. Injuries: None. Location: Burlington, N.C. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: According to the student pilot, he was attempting a second touch-and-go landing and takeoff.
As he turned onto final approach, another airplane was crossing the runway threshold for a full stop landing.
The pilot continued the approach, but slowed the airplane due to excess airspeed during the first landing, and to give the other airplane time to clear the runway. After crossing the runway threshold, he reduced the power to idle and began to flare. The main landing gear touched down harder than he intended. The nose landing gear touched down so hard, it broke and the propeller struck the runway.
Probable cause: The student pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced landing.
NTSB Identification: ERA11CA169
This February 2011 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.
