Probable cause
The pilot's improper flare/touchdown while landing, resulting in a loss of directional control and a runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
During a planned full-stop landing, the airplane bounced back into the air after the initial touchdown and then settled to the runway a second time. Almost immediately after the second touchdown the airplane veered sharply to the left and departed the runway surface. Before the pilot could get the airplane to come to a stop its left wing struck a tree, resulting in the airplane spinning. The pilot said that the airplane had no mechanical or directional control anomalies, and that he should have executed a go-around when the airplane first bounced back into the air.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR11CA037 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 4, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Port Townsend, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Jefferson County International (0S9)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172S
- N-number
- N14511
- 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.