Casualties unknown

1983-10-02: Piper PA-38 (N26093) — Portage, MI

Portage, MI, US

On October 2, 1983, a Piper PA-38 (registration N26093) was involved in an aviation accident near Portage, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's inadequate control during the go-around maneuver following a hard landing on his first solo flight, which resulted in a collision with trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot attempting a go-around after a hard landing on his first solo flight lost control and struck trees near the runway.

What happened

The accident occurred during a training flight involving a student pilot conducting his first solo operation. During the initial landing attempt, the aircraft exhibited an uncommanded right turn while remaining only a few feet above the ground. The pilot reported that this maneuver resulted in a hard or improper touchdown.

Following the landing, the pilot elected to execute a go-around procedure. During this phase of flight, the aircraft deviated to the left and subsequently impacted trees located on the left side of the runway. No mechanical failures were reported prior to the incident.

The investigation

Examination of the event revealed that the primary sequence of events began with an abnormal ground contact during the first landing attempt. The subsequent go-around maneuver resulted in a loss of directional control or spatial orientation, leading to the collision with terrain obstacles adjacent to the runway environment.

Findings

The critical factors contributing to this accident include the pilot's inexperience during his first solo flight. The decision to initiate a go-around after a compromised landing appears to have been executed without sufficient control authority or situational awareness, resulting in a left turn into trees. No mechanical problems were reported for the aircraft.

Probable cause

The student pilot's inadequate control during the go-around maneuver following a hard landing on his first solo flight, which resulted in a collision with trees.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X44769. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.