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NTSB Report
May 20, 2008 · Cessna 172N · N6521J
Palo Alto, CA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 20, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Palo Alto, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 172N
Tail Number
N6521J
Operator
West Valley Flying Club
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX08CA149
The pilot reported that his approach to landing was unstable and that he added power on short final because he was too low and slow. When the landing gear touched down, the airplane began porpoising with "several hard bounces" down the runway, ultimately resulting in propeller strike damage, firewall damage, engine mount damage, and nose wheel damage.
NTSB Probable Cause
Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Incorrect action performance-Pilot - C
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that his approach to landing was unstable and that he added power on short final because he was too low and slow. When the landing gear touched down, the airplane began porpoising with "several hard bounces" down the runway, ultimately resulting in propeller strike damage, firewall damage, engine mount damage, and nose wheel damage.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:40 PDT
Nearest AirportPalo Alto Arpt Of Santa Clara (0nm)
Runway31
Runway Length2443 ft
Runway Width65 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172N
Tail NumberN6521J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWest Valley Flying Club
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-O2G · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 58 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 6 kt
Visibility6 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 15000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 55
Altimeter29.98 inHg
Observation Time17:47
Weather SourceWFAC