Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain pitch control during the landing, resulting in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that the airplane porpoised three times on the second landing, and bounced once on the third and final landing. He reported that while taxing to the fuel pump, he noticed that he had a "flat tire" on the nose wheel.
During a postaccident examination of the engine and airframe, substantial damage to the firewall was discovered.
The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA248 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 16, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Los Angeles, California
- Nearest airport
- Whiteman (WHP)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 177B
- N-number
- N13HK
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1972
- 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.