WPR12CA268

Factual narrative

The pilot was returning from a local area flight. After determining that the winds were calm, the pilot elected to conduct a straight in landing to the north. During the descent, the airplane was higher than normal and the pilot extended the flaps to 40 degrees. He continued the approach and as the airplane touched the runway, it bounced 5 feet. He decided to abort the landing rather than continue bouncing down the runway. The pilot added full power and retracted the flaps to 0 degrees. The airplane’s right wing rose and the left wing then impacted the surface. According to the Cessna Pilot’s Operating Handbook, during a balked landing, the flaps should be retracted to 20 degrees after full power is applied, and then retracted slowly after the airplane reaches 80 miles per hour. Post accident examination of the airplane by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot was returning from a local area flight. After determining that the wind was calm, the pilot elected to conduct a straight-in approach. During the descent to the runway, the pilot realized that the airplane was higher than appropriate and extended the flaps to 40 degrees. He continued the approach and, when the airplane touched down hard on the runway, it bounced about 5 feet back into the air. The pilot decided to abort the landing rather than continue bouncing down the runway. The pilot added full power and retracted the flaps to 0 degrees. The airplane’s right wing rose and the left wing impacted the surface. According to the Cessna pilot’s operating handbook, during a balked landing, the flaps should be retracted to 20 degrees after full power is applied, and then retracted slowly after the airplane reaches 80 miles per hour. Postaccident examination revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Descent/approach/glide path-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft systems-Flight control system-TE flap control system-Incorrect use/operation - C
• C Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Incorrect action selection-Pilot - C