NTSB Factual Report

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.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain a proper descent path during the approach to land, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing, and his improper retraction of the flaps during the subsequent attempted go-around.