Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate landing flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, while on final approach to the runway and with the flaps positioned at 30 degrees, the airplane was high and fast. The airplane bounced during the landing, the pilot attempted an unsuccessful recovery. The airplane bounced again and the pilot initiated a go-around. He performed an uneventful second landing to the runway. After landing, damage to the propeller tips was observed and further examination revealed that the firewall was buckled. The pilot later informed the operator that the airplane was high and fast on final approach.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 22, 2010, approximately 1000 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 172S, N2459K, operated by McAir Aviation, and piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when it made a hard landing at Vance Brand Airport (LMO), Longmont, Colorado. Visual meteorological conditions (VMC) prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot and two passengers on board the airplane were not injured. The local flight originated at Rocky Mountain Airport (BJC), Broomfield, Colorado, approximately 0930. According to the pilot's accident report, she intended to make a full-stop landing at LMO before returning to BJC. On final approach to runway 29 with an inoperative VASI (visual approach slope indicator), the flaps were positioned at 30 degrees, but the airplane was high and fast. The airplane touched down and bounced. The pilot corrected by adding power and pitching down but overcompensated, and the airplane bounced again. Full power was applied and the pilot made a go-around. The second landing was successful and the pilot returned to BJC. No RPM loss noticed during the return flight. After landing at BJC, damage to the propeller tips was noticed. Further examination of the airplane revealed that the firewall was buckled, The pilot later told the operator that she was "high and fast" on final at LMO.