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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

May 20, 2002 · Cessna 172S · N3547H

Scottsdale, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 20, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Scottsdale, AZ
Aircraft
Cessna 172S
Tail Number
N3547H
Operator
Arizona Flight Works
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX02LA167

The airplane hit hard, bounced, veered off the runway, and the right main landing gear sheared off when the airplane collided with a runway marker sign. The student pilot was practicing touch-and-go takeoffs and landings. During touchdown, the airplane hit hard and bounced back into the air. Upon returning back down onto the runway, the airplane veered to the left. It continued off the runway into a dirt area. The student pilot attempted to turn the airplane to the right, back onto the runway. The airplane's right main landing gear strut collided with a runway marker sign, and the right main landing gear sheered off. The airplane continued veering to the right, across the runway, and departed the right side. The student pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

the student pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing and failure to maintain directional control on the landing roll, which resulted in a collision with a runway sign.

Full Narrative

On May 20, 2002, about 1135 mountain standard time, a Cessna 172S, N3547H, veered off the runway while attempting to land at the Scottsdale Airport (SDL), Scottsdale, Arizona. Arizona Flight Works was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The student pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed. The local instructional flight originated SDL about 1015. In a written statement, the operator of the accident airplane reported that the student pilot was attempting to perform practice touch-and-go takeoffs and landings on runway 21. After completing several touch-and-go's, the student pilot configured the airplane for his last practice attempt. During touchdown, the airplane hit hard and bounced back into the air. Upon returning back down onto the runway, the airplane veered to the left. It continued off the runway, into a dirt area. The student pilot attempted to turn the airplane to the right, back onto the runway. The airplane's right main landing gear strut collided with a runway marker sign, and the right main landing gear sheered off. The airplane continued veering to the right, across the runway, and departed the right side. The airplane came to rest in a dirt area off the right side of the runway. The airplane incurred damage to the horizontal tail spar. The student pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:35 MST
Nearest AirportScottsdale Airport (0nm N)
Runway21
Runway Length8249 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172S
Tail NumberN3547H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorArizona Flight Works
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-L2A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 40 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point36 C
Altimeter29.90 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data