Probable cause
The pilot’s improper flare and recovery from a bounced landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during the late stage in his approach to land, he was distracted by a large insect that hit the windscreen. Simultaneously, a gust of wind disturbed the airplane's attitude and the pilot overcompensated with the flight controls in response, causing the airplane to porpoise. This led to a premature touchdown and caused the airplane to bounce. As the airplane bounced, the propeller struck the runway and the nose tire deflated, substantially damaging the firewall and lower fuselage. The pilot stated that he did not experience any mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11CA338 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 10, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Naples, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Naples Municipal Airport (APF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172R
- N-number
- N2458G
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.