# NTSB CHI07CA294: Cessna 172M, N73455, Pontiac, MI, September 5, 2007 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: September 5, 2007, 11:31 local (15:31 UTC) - Place: Pontiac, MI - Coordinates: 42.665279, -83.419998 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.6653&lon=-83.4200&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report November 29, 2007 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA-Detroit FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 66901 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI07CA294 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/66901/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI07CA294 ## Probable cause The pilot's misjudgment of the landing flare and her improper recovery from the bounced landing. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown - flare - misjudged, pilot in command (cause) - recovery from bounced landing - improper, pilot in command (cause) ## Analysis The pilot inadvertently executed a hard landing on runway 9R (6,200 feet by 150 feet, asphalt). The intention of the flight was to complete three takeoffs and landings for currency. The accident occurred on the second landing. The pilot reported that she flew the approach at between 65 and 70 knots, with full flaps. She stated that the airplane "bounced a few times" during landing. She recalled trying to get the airplane out of the "continuing bounce" by applying full power and pulling back on the elevator control. She noted that the airplane began to climb, so she reduced power while continuing to apply back pressure. The airplane subsequently stopped bouncing and she taxied to the ramp. The pilot reported no failures or malfunctions associated with the aircraft prior to the accident. ## Factual narrative The airplane was substantially damaged during a hard landing on runway 9R (6,200 feet by 150 feet, asphalt). The intention of the flight was to complete three take-offs and landings for currency. The accident occurred on the second landing. The pilot reported that she flew the approach at between 65 and 70 knots, with full flaps. She stated that the airplane "bounced a few times" during landing. She recalled trying to get the airplane out of the "continuing bounce" by applying full power and pulling back on the elevator control. She noted that the airplane began to climb, so she reduced power while continuing to apply back pressure. The airplane subsequently stopped bouncing and she taxied to the ramp. A post accident inspection revealed damage to the firewall, cabin floor, and lower fuselage skin. The pilot reported no failures or malfunctions associated with the aircraft prior to the accident. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N73455](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N73455), registered now, S/N 17267473, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 172M - Registry model: [Cessna 172M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172m) (registry code 2072418) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 17267473 - Airframe hours: 9643 - Engines: Lycoming O-320-E2D 160 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Registered owner: Flight 101 LLC - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, August 1, 2007 - Departed: PTK, Pontiac, MI - Airport: PTK, Oakland-Pontiac, runway 9R, 6,200 × 150 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 19; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; last flight review March 1, 2007; seat: left; flight hours: 122 total, 46 in this make and model, 38 as pilot in command, 7 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days, 0 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 260° at 8 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 63 °F - Altimeter: 30.06 inHg - Observed at: PTK ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20070905022749A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20070905022749A), Sep 5, 2007: Cessna 172M, Pontiac, MI, Substantial damage. (-23) Pilot bounced landing and did not use proper recovery techniques resulting in hard landing. ## Other investigations on N73455 (1) From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. - [NTSB IAD97LA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD97LA059), Mar 31, 1997: Cessna 172M (N73455), Cincinnati, OH, substantial damage. Probable cause: the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a collision with tree(s) and a ditch. From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.