Probable cause
The pilots improper landing flare and remedial action which resulted in a hard, bounced landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during the landing approach the winds were shifting, but he was still confident a landing could be achieved. The airplane then touched down hard and bounced. He attempted to ease back pressure on the control yoke, but the nose began to lower. The nose wheel subsequently struck the ground with an accompanying loud noise. The forward fuselage and firewall were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation, and that the accident could have been avoided if he had applied full power and performed a go-around after the first touchdown.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA010 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 8, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Burlington, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Skagit Rgnl (BVS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172M
- N-number
- N73614
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1976
- 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.