NTSB Factual Report

On June 17, 2002, at 2100 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 177B, N2182C, was substantially damaged during landing on runway 33 at Chesterfield County Airport (FCI), Chesterfield, Virginia. The certificated private pilot/owner sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

In a written statement, the pilot said that the purpose of the flight was to get current with night landings. He departed the airport and proceeded direct to the PUBBS non-directional beacon (NDB), where he then entered the instrument landing system (ILS) approach for runway 33. The pilot said that he was flying by visual reference and used the ILS for guidance. He said:

"There were no other aircraft in the pattern so I proceeded to land on 33. I was a little high so I increased my angle of descent. I touched down pretty hard and the plane porpoised several times. On one of these the damage was done. I wasn't aware of the damage, but my back hurt so I taxied to my hangar. The weather was clear and the wind was calm"

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector performed an examination of the airplane. According to the inspector, the firewall was wrinkled.

Runway 33 was a 5,500 foot long and 100 foot wide asphalt runway with pilot controlled lighting.

The pilot reported a total of 634 flight hours, of which 488 hours were in make and model. He also reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies.

Weather at Richmond International Airport, Richmond, Virginia, about 11 nautical miles northeast, at 2054, included wind from 100 degrees at 4 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, and few clouds at 5,500 feet.

NTSB Probable Cause

pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing at night.