Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot-in-command's improper remedial action after the aircraft porpoised during the landing flare and touchdown.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During landing flare the aircraft porpoised. The pilot pushed the nose over and the aircraft landing hard on the nose landing gear. The nose landing gear tire blew out and the nose gear collapsed. The aircraft nosed down and the right wing contacted the ground.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 29, 1995, about 1257 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172, N96EP, registered to Vector I Air Service, made a hard landing at St. Petersburg-Clearwater Airport, Clearwater, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 pleasure flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft received substantial damage and the private-rated pilot and one passenger were not injured. The flight originated from Hernando, Florida on April 29, 1995, about 1230. The pilot stated that during landing flare the aircraft ballooned. He lowered the nose and the aircraft landed hard on the nose landing gear. The nose tire blew out and the nose landing gear collapsed. The aircraft then nosed down and the right wing contacted the ground. -