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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

November 25, 1996 · Cessna 172P · N54686

Van Nuys, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 25, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Van Nuys, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 172P
Tail Number
N54686
Operator
Dls Ventures
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX97LA053

During a private pilot practical flight test, the applicant (a student pilot) made a simulated soft field approach, and the aircraft bounced 5 to 6 feet in the air after touchdown. The student decided to go-around and applied full power, but the aircraft rolled left and drug its left wing tip. The flight examiner attempted to take control of the aircraft, but was unable to prevent it from again colliding with the runway. At the time of the accident, a 5-knot/80-degree left crosswind was reported. According to the aircraft manufacturer, the crosswind component was within the aircraft performance parameters.

NTSB Probable Cause

improper flare by the pilot during the landing, and his improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a hard landing, dragged wing tip, and a collapsed main gear.

Full Narrative

On November 25, 1996, at 1335 hours Pacific standard time, a Cessna 172P, N54686, collided with the runway after a bounced landing at the Van Nuys, California, airport. The aircraft sustained substantial damage; however, neither the designated pilot examiner nor the private pilot applicant was injured. The flight originated in Van Nuys about 1200. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The applicant had made a simulated soft field approach to runway 16R when the aircraft bounced about 5 to 6 feet in the air. He decided to go-around and applied full power, but the aircraft responded by rolling left until its left wing tip drug along the runway. The examiner attempted to take control of the aircraft but was unable to prevent it from again colliding with the runway. During the second impact sequence, the propeller and right wing tip struck the runway and both the nose gear and right main gear collapsed. The aircraft came to rest off the left side of the runway. At the time of the accident a 5-knot, 80-degree left crosswind was reported. According to the aircraft manufacturer, the crosswind component is within the aircraft performance parameters.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:35 PST
Nearest AirportVANNUYS (0nm)
Runway16R
Runway Length8001 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172P
Tail NumberN54686
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDls Ventures
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D2J · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 33 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 5 kt
Visibility25 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 16 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data