CESSNA 172S near Manassas, VA — 2013-08-22

Probable cause

The student pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced landing.

NTSB narrative

According to the student pilot, he was fast on the approach and touched down on the main landing gear, bounced, then released back pressure on the yoke. The airplane started to porpoise uncontrollably and the nose landing gear broke off. The airplane departed the runway to the right and came to rest inverted in the grass. Examination of the airplane by an Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall, vertical stabilizer, and to the rudder. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

• Landing gear collapse · Landing-landing roll

Evidence available

• Photos
• 5 docket documents

Docket documents5

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• NTSB Interview with Student Pilot.interview
• FAA Damage Assessment.other
• Photo 1: Picture of the Airplane at rest. (Courtesy of the FAA)photos
• Weather Reports and Records.report

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