Primary finding
Probable cause
the failure of the pilot to properly judge the landing flare, and his improper bounced landing recovery technique, which resulted in a landing gear collapse during a hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The aircraft was cleared for a full stop landing. Ground witnesses stated that the pilot touched down hard, bounced, then touched down a second time, collapsing the right main landing gear. The aircraft struck two runway markers as it ground looped off the right side of the runway. The pilot reported no mechanical problems.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 9, 1995, at 1550 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172N, N39ES, sustained substantial damage during a hard landing at Stockton, California. The aircraft was owned and operated by Port City Aviation, Inc., and was completing the return leg of a cross-country flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a VFR flight plan had been filed for the operation. Neither the certificated private pilot nor his three passengers were injured. The return leg originated from the Meadows Field airport, Bakersfield, California, at 1430 on the day of the accident. The aircraft was cleared for a full stop landing on runway 29L. Witnesses stated that the pilot touched down hard, bounced, then touched down a second time, collapsing the right main landing gear. The aircraft yawed right, struck two runway markers, and ground looped off the right side of the runway. Automated terminal information service (ATIS) "Charlie" was in effect. At the time of the accident ATIS was reporting winds from 020 degrees at 10 knots. The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the aircraft prior to the accident. -