Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's improper flare and his inadequate recovery from a bounced landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On June 18, 2000, at 1110 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 172N, N738WE, was substantially damaged following a loss of control during landing at Double Eagle II Airport, Albuquerque, New Mexico. The student pilot, the sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. The airplane was being operated by West Mesa Aviation, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local instructional flight that originated approximately 15 minutes before the accident. No flight plan had been filed.
The student pilot, on his second solo, said that he encountered a downdraft, and landed hard. He said that the airplane bounced into the air and then landed hard a second time. Then the airplane oscillated back and forth in a porpoise like fashion. Subsequently the nose wheel landing gear was broken off, and the firewall was buckled.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DEN00LA114