PIPER PA28
Elberton, GA — June 1, 2009
Event Information
| Date | June 1, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA09CA318 |
| Event ID | 20090603X42259 |
| Location | Elberton, GA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 34.09528, -82.80945 |
| Airport | Elbert County Airport |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA28 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The student pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing.
Full Narrative
The student pilot stated he returned from a solo cross country flight and entered the traffic pattern for landing. During touchdown, the airplane's nose pitched up and the pilot subsequently pulled back on the flight controls. The airplane became airborne, then settled and bounced a second time on the runway. After a third, and more pronounced bounce, the nose gear collapsed, and the airplane slid to a stop toward the left side of the runway. When the pilot was asked how the accident could have been prevented, he stated he should have performed an aborted landing after the first bounce. Examination of the airplane revealed structural damage to the engine firewall, engine mount, and the rudder. The student pilot stated that he did not experience any mechanical problems with the airplane before the accident.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.