This September 2009 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Cessna 175. Injuries: None. Location: Rio Blanco, Colo. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot was attempting to land on a remote 2,100-foot turf runway in the mountains. The turf was dry and the wind calm. During the flare and initial touchdown, the pilot allowed the airplane to drift to the left edge of the runway. The nose gear hit a runway edge marker.
According to the pilot, the impact “bounced the aircraft back in the air while dragging the tail.” The airplane came down hard on the left edge of the runway. There was damage to the forward fuselage and nose gear.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing and his failure to execute a go-around.
For more information: NTSB.gov NTSB Identification: CEN09CA615
