Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that the airplane stalled over the runway, landed hard, and bounced twice before he added power to take off again. The fuselage and firewall were damaged but the pilot landed without further incident. He reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions.
Source record
Factual narrative
On February 4, 1995, at 1430 Pacific standard time, N2901X, a Cessna 177, operated by the owner/pilot, was substantially damaged during a hard landing in Corvallis, Oregon. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91 and departed from Aurora, Oregon. In a written statement, the pilot reported that the airplane bounced twice on the runway during the landing. The pilot added power and took the airplane off to return for landing without further incident. The pilot stated "The bounces were hard and had damaged the aircraft." According to a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector from the Hillsboro, Oregon, Flight Standards District Office, the pilot stated that the airplane "stalled and landed hard" on the runway. A mechanic reported that the airplane's firewall and fuselage were damaged. No pre-impact mechanical malfunctions were reported. -