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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

August 14, 2014 · Cessna 172F · N8432U

Oxford, NC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 14, 2014
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Oxford, NC
Aircraft
Cessna 172F (1964)
Tail Number
N8432U
Operator
Empire Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA14CA398

The pilot reported that after takeoff, his passengers were uncomfortable in the "bumpy" conditions, so he returned to the departure airport for landing. He said that due to his passenger load and the crosswind conditions, the owner of the airplane advised over the radio that the pilot should perform the landing with flaps set at 10 degrees. The pilot stated that the airplane "ballooned" on the first touchdown, and that the second touchdown was "harder than normal." A witness stated that there was a direct crosswind, and the airplane touched down with then nose pointed 30 degrees right of centerline. The airplane "porpoised" and landed on the nosewheel first a number of times in succession. Inspection of the airplane after taxi and parking revealed cracking and buckling of the wings, fuselage, and engine firewall. The pilot reported, and inspection by FAA inspectors revealed, no mechanical deficiencies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper compensation for wind conditions.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that after takeoff, his passengers were uncomfortable in the "bumpy" conditions, so he returned to the departure airport for landing. He said that due to his passenger load and the crosswind conditions, the owner of the airplane advised over the radio that the pilot should perform the landing with flaps set at 10 degrees. The pilot stated that the airplane "ballooned" on the first touchdown, and that the second touchdown was "harder than normal." A witness stated that there was a direct crosswind, and the airplane touched down with then nose pointed 30 degrees right of centerline. The airplane "porpoised" and landed on the nosewheel first a number of times in succession. Inspection of the airplane after taxi and parking revealed cracking and buckling of the wings, fuselage, and engine firewall. The pilot reported, and inspection by FAA inspectors revealed, no mechanical deficiencies that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 EDT
Nearest AirportHenderson-Oxford (0nm N)
Runway24
Runway Length5002 ft
Runway Width97 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172F
Tail NumberN8432U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorEmpire Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · 0-300 SER · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 31 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter29.46 inHg
Observation Time15:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data