Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's use of an excessive approach speed and glidepath angle and his improper bounced landing recovery technique.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On February 20, 1995, at 1630 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 172P, N51920, collapsed the nose gear following a porpoise from a bounced landing at Redlands, California. The aircraft was operated by Redlands Aviation Corporation of Redlands and rented by the pilot for a personal cross-country flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and a VFR flight plan was filed. The aircraft incurred substantial damage. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight originated at San Luis Obispo, California, on the day of the accident at 1410.
Ground witnesses observed the aircraft on final for runway 26 and said it was high and fast. About midfield, the pilot dove the aircraft to the runway and the aircraft bounced on the nose gear, entered a porpoise, and eventually collapsed the nose gear strut.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX95LA133