Hard landing bends Cessna

By NTSB · April 17, 2013 ·

Aircraft: Cessna 177. Injuries: None. Location: Columbia, S.C. Aircraft damage: Substantial.

What reportedly happened: According to the pilot, he flew a normal approach, but during the landing flare, the airplane encountered a gust of wind.

It came down hard and bounced. The pilot heard a “clunk!” noise, and the airplane bounced a second time before coming to a stop.

The post-accident examination revealed substantial damage to the fuselage.

Probable cause: The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB Identification: ERA11CA223

This April 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.

About NTSB

The National Transportation Safety Board is an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant events in the other modes of transportation, including railroad, transit, highway, marine, pipeline, and commercial space. It determines the probable causes of accidents and issues safety recommendations aimed at preventing future occurrences.

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