N8292

On January 10, 2000, at 1205 central standard time, a Cessna 172R airplane, N8292, was substantially damaged when it nosed down during landing at the Brazoria County Airport near Angleton, Texas. The airplane was owned and operated by Gulf Coast Helicopters, Inc., of Pearland, Texas. The airline transport pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 pipeline inspection flight. The local flight originated at 0950.

According to the FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, the pilot stated that during landing on runway 17, he "lost control of the airplane." In the enclosed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot stated that a gust of wind lifted the right wing. He added that he overcorrected for the wind, causing the airplane to land on the right main landing gear first, bouncing it into the air. The airplane landed a second time on the left main landing gear, and bounced again. The pilot stated that he then inadvertently pushed forward on the control column and landed a third time on the nose landing gear. The nose landing gear collapsed, and the propeller struck the runway. The airplane came to rest upright on the left side of the runway.

At 1153, the Houston Hobby Airport, located approximately 34 nautical miles north of the accident site, reported the wind from 240 degrees at 9 knots, the visibility 10 statute miles, and clear sky. The airport manager of Brazoria County Airport stated that at the time of the accident the wind was from 190 degrees at 9 knots.