N98636

On February 21, 2005, about 1045 eastern standard daylight time, a Cessna 172, N98636, registered to and operated by Four Fox Air Inc., as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, had a hard landing at the Hernando County Airport, Brooksville, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The private-rated pilot and two passengers received no injuries, and the airplane incurred substantial damage. The flight originated from St. Petersburg-Clearwater International, Clearwater, Florida, earlier that day, about 0930.

The pilot stated that after getting the automated weather briefing and airport advisory from the Hernando County Airport, he began the approach to runway 09. While the flare was normal the airplane floated a bit prior to touchdown. Immediately after touchdown, he heard a loud noise and felt what appeared to be a flat tire. He then taxied the airplane as far off the runway as possible. He broadcasted on the Hernando unicom frequency and advised Tampa Approach Control of his situation. He and the passengers deplaned after the airplane was shut down. The pilot stated there were no mechanical failures or malfunction to the airplane or any of its systems prior to the accident.

The chief maintenance inspector of the fixed-based operator who recovered the wreckage stated to the FAA inspector that the airplane incurred damage to the propeller and nosewheel. The firewall and the forward tunnel assembly on the airplane were found buckled.