Summary
On November 30, 2000, a Cessna 172N (N8173E) was involved in an incident near Marana, AZ. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The student pilot's improper flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing. A factor in the accident was the morning sun, which momentarily restricted the pilot's vision.
On November 30, 2000, at 0930 hours mountain standard time, a Cessna 172N, N8173E, sustained substantial damage during a hard landing at the Marana Airport, Marana, Arizona. The airplane was operated by Tucson Aeroservice Center, Inc., and rented by a student pilot under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local area instructional flight, which departed from the Marana Airport at 0915.
The student pilot stated the final approach was normal until he began the flare, when the morning sun momentarily restricted his vision. His vision cleared but he was surprised by early contact with the runway.
This incident is documented in NTSB report LAX01LA048. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N8173E.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The student pilot's improper flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing. A factor in the accident was the morning sun, which momentarily restricted the pilot's vision.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On November 30, 2000, at 0930 hours mountain standard time, a Cessna 172N, N8173E, sustained substantial damage during a hard landing at the Marana Airport, Marana, Arizona. The airplane was operated by Tucson Aeroservice Center, Inc., and rented by a student pilot under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local area instructional flight, which departed from the Marana Airport at 0915.
The student pilot stated the final approach was normal until he began the flare, when the morning sun momentarily restricted his vision. His vision cleared but he was surprised by early contact with the runway. The airplane bounced and the pilot attempted to control the aircraft without adding power. The pilot regained control of the aircraft after the subsequent bounce and taxied off the runway. After clearing the runway the pilot shutdown the engine and noticed the damage to the propeller. Subsequent inspection disclosed that the firewall was damaged. The Director of Operations for the fixed-base operator (FBO) stated the winds were light, no more than 3-4 knots.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX01LA048