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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

January 24, 2013 · Cessna 172S · N5113J

Peoria, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 24, 2013
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Peoria, IL
Aircraft
Cessna 172S
Tail Number
N5113J
Operator
University of Dubuque
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN13CA142

The private pilot reported that during the takeoff, shortly after rotation, the airplane’s nose pitched downward and the airplane bounced on the runway. He stated that after the first bounce, the flight instructor took control and that the airplane bounced several more times before coming to rest on its nose. The flight instructor reported that preflight and pretakeoff checks were performed, no airplane deficiencies were noted, and the elevator trim was set for takeoff. He added that he took control after the first bounce and attempted to abort the takeoff. The airplane bounced violently four or five more times. The flight instructor attempted to stop the airplane by retarding the throttle, applying up elevator for aerodynamic braking, and trying to keep the nosewheel off of the ground. The airplane’s nose landing gear had collapsed and the firewall and fuselage had sustained damage. Although the flight instructor said that the elevator trim was set for takeoff, postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the elevator trim was in the full nose-down position. Although it could not be definitively determined, it is likely that the pilot inadvertently actuated the electric trim switch on the yoke before takeoff. Examination of the airplane's control system revealed no anomalies that existed before the accident that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s inadvertent activation of the electric trim to the nose-down position, which resulted in the airplane being improperly configured for takeoff, and the flight instructor’s incorrect remedial action that allowed the airplane to porpoise.

Full Narrative

The private pilot reported that after the airplane rotated for takeoff, the nose pitched downward and the airplane bounced on the runway. He stated that after the first bounce, the flight instructor took control and the airplane bounced several more times before coming to rest on its nose. The flight instructor reported that pre-flight and pre-takeoff checks were performed, no airplane deficiencies were noted, and the elevator trim was set for takeoff. He added that he took control after the first bounce and attempted to abort the takeoff. The airplane bounced violently four or five more times as he attempted to stop the airplane by retarding the throttle, applying up elevator for aerodynamic braking, and trying to keep the nosewheel off of the ground. Examination of the airplane after the accident revealed that the elevator trim was in the full nose down position. The airplane’s nose landing gear had collapsed and the firewall and fuselage had sustained damage. The lower portion of the fuselage/firewall was pushed rearward into the pilot compartment displacing the rudder pedals. Tests of the elevator trim system revealed no anomalies. Examination of the airplane's control system revealed no anomalies that existed prior to the accident. Federal Aviation Administration publication FAA-H-8083-3A, “Airplane Flying Handbook” stated the following in regard to recovery from a bounced landing: “The corrective action for a bounce is the same as for ballooning and similarly depends on its severity. When it is very slight and there is no extreme change in the airplane’s pitch attitude, a follow-up landing may be executed by applying sufficient power to cushion the subsequent touchdown, and smoothly adjusting the pitch to the proper touchdown attitude.”

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:50 CST
Nearest AirportPeoria International Airport (0nm)
Runway31
Runway Length10104 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172S
Tail NumberN5113J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorUniversity of Dubuque
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-L2A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 20 · Third Class · None
Crew 2Age 21 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
Wind330° @ 10 kt, gusting 19 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point23 C / 9 C
Altimeter30.23 inHg
Observation Time02:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data