Summary
On October 21, 2017, a Cessna 120 (N72552) was involved in an incident near New Bern, NC. 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 pilot’s improper landing flare and subsequent failure to maintain directional control during landing.
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing, he believed he "just hit a little to[o] hard" and the airplane porpoised. He added that, he attempted to recover but could not get control of the airplane. Subsequently, the airplane exited the runway to the left and nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage and the left wing lift strut.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA18CA027. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N72552.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s improper landing flare and subsequent failure to maintain directional control during landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing, he believed he "just hit a little to[o] hard" and the airplane porpoised. He added that, he attempted to recover but could not get control of the airplane. Subsequently, the airplane exited the runway to the left and nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage and the left wing lift strut.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA18CA027