Aircraft: Cessna 172. Injuries: None. Location: McKinney, Texas. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot reported that windy conditions existed during the flight, but the wind was not a crosswind during landing. However, the airplane touched down hard on the nosewheel, bounced, and then settled onto the runway.
Post-accident examination revealed that the nosewheel landing gear and propeller were bent, and the firewall sustained substantial damage.
Probable cause: The pilot’s inadequate flare, which resulted in a hard nosewheel landing.
NTSB Identification: CEN13CA090
This December 2012 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.
As I understand it, technically this was not an accident and did not have to be reported to the NTSB. A report only has to be filed when there is injury or substantial damage. Damage to propellers and landing gear are not considered “substantial damage”. Numerous attorneys have written articles on this. Here is one:
http://www.aerolegalservices.com/Articles/Aircraft Accident-Incident Reporting.shtml
Upon re-reading the article, I see it did mention damage to the firewall. That kind of structural damage may indeed have kicked it into an accident category, maybe. But the point is, according to the attorneys, you can land a plane gear up, and unless the structure is severely damaged, it isn’t an “accident” and doesn’t need to be reported. Unless, of course, you want the investigatory spot light shining on you.