N739LK

On November 26, 1998, at 0945 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172N, N739LK, operated by Tri State Aero, received substantial damage on impact with terrain during a bounced landing on runway 27 (3,500 feet by 75 feet, dry asphalt) at Evansville Regional Airport near Evansville, Indiana. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The private pilot reported no injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 local flight was not operating on a flight plan. The flight originated at Evansville Regional Airport at approximately 0800.

The pilot reported that he arrived at the airport at 0730 to practice takeoff and landings. He stated that he performed 5 crosswind landings on Runway 18, departed 4 miles to the west for sightseeing and then returned to perform 10-12 landings prior to the accident. The pilot stated that his approach speed was 65-70 knots with full flaps. He reported that the aircraft touched down on the main landing gear, bounced approximately 6 feet above ground level with an airspeed of 45-50 knots. He added that the aircraft touched down on its nose wheel causing the nose wheel to separate. The pilot stated that he had "over controlled" during the landing and that there were no mechanical abnormalities with the aircraft.