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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

June 5, 1996 · Cessna 172N · N738PS

Ramona, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 5, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Ramona, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 172N
Tail Number
N738PS
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX96LA237

The pilot reported that the landing was into the setting sun, and his depth perception was impaired by excessive sun glare on the windshield. The aircraft impacted the runway nose wheel first and porpoised three or four times before the nose landing gear collapsed.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's misjudged and delayed landing flare, and inadequate recovery technique from a bounced landing (porpoise). Sun glare was a factor in the accident.

Full Narrative

On June 4, 1996, at 1850 hours Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172N, N738PS, was substantially damaged when the nose wheel collapsed during a landing at the Ramona Airport, Ramona, California. The private pilot and one passenger were not injured. The operator reported that visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The personal flight departed from the McClellan-Palomar Airport, Carlsbad, California, at 1830. The NTSB was notified of the accident on June 20, 1996. In his written report, the pilot said that his landing approach to runway 27 was into the setting sun. He reported that during the landing flare excessive glare from the sun on the windshield disrupted his altitude perception over the runway. He reported that he "must [have] flared a little bit too late" and landed on the nose wheel first after which the aircraft porpoised three or four times before the nose landing gear collapsed. He reported no malfunction or failure with the aircraft. The operator stated that weather was not a factor in the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:50 PDT
Nearest AirportRAMONA (0nm)
Runway27
Runway Length4000 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172N
Tail NumberN738PS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-H2AD · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 18 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
WindCalm
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data