The pilot, with two other pilot-rated passengers, was practicing a no-flap landing. The pilot flared the airplane about halfway down the runway, bounced and then pitched up. The airplane drifted to the left, while the tail tiedown contacted the runway. The pilot-rated passenger in the right front seat took control of the airplane, lowered the pitch and added full power in an attempt to go around. As the airplane climbed, it continued to the left and its left horizontal stabilizer impacted an airport sign, separating the left elevator from the airplane. The pilot-rated passenger in the right seat continued the climb and returned to land uneventfully. The left horizontal stabilizer, left elevator and rudder were substantially damaged during the accident sequence.
April 10, 2011, Millville, N.J., Cessna 172N
The pilot, with two other pilot-rated passengers, was practicing a no-flap landing. The pilot flared the airplane about halfway down the runway, bounced and then pitched up. The airplane drifted to the left, while the tail tiedown contacted the runway. The pilot-rated passenger in the right front seat took control of the airplane, lowered the pitch and added full power in an attempt to go around.
Key Takeaways:
- A pilot practicing a no-flap landing bounced and caused the airplane's tail to strike the runway.
- A pilot-rated passenger then took control, attempting a go-around, but the airplane drifted left and impacted an airport sign, separating the left elevator and damaging the left horizontal stabilizer.
- The passenger pilot successfully landed the substantially damaged aircraft despite the in-flight impact.
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