Hard landing involving a Cessna 172P, VH-LTR, Wangaratta, Victoria, on 17 March 1996

The pilot reported that the wind direction was varying between 180 and 270 degrees, up to 15 knots. He made an approach for runway 18, maintaining about 60 knots on final and with full flap set. As the throttle was closed for the landing flare the aircraft sank. The pilot applied full power to arrest the sink but said the aircraft did not seem to climb normally.

The aircraft then drifted to the left side of the runway. The pilot said he decided to end the sequence by closing the throttle and landing. The aircraft touched down heavily breaking the nose gear off.

Significant Factors

The following factors were considered relevant to the development of the accident:

1 The pilot probably mishandled the controls during the initial landing flare.

2 The pilot probably did not apply the appropriate procedures and control inputs during the attempted go around.