Probable cause
The pilot's improper flare and inadequate recovery from a bounced landing.
NTSB analysis
The private pilot reported that the airplane bounced during landing. The airplane then began to porpoise and after the third bounce the pilot pushed the control yoke forward. The propeller then struck the runway surface. The pilot stated that he initially believed the airplane damage was limited to the propeller. Subsequent inspection revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and forward fuselage structure. The extent of the damage was not reported to the NTSB until June 1, 2009. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine prior to the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09CA273 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 6, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Compton, California
- Nearest airport
- Compton (CPM)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night, dark
Cessna 172S
- N-number
- N6048Z
- 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.