Aircraft Strikes Utility Pole After Bounced Landing

Casualties unknown • Osage Beach, MO, US

An aircraft bounced on the runway during landing, attempted a go-around with full flaps, but descended at 100 feet and struck a utility pole and trees. Post-accident inspection found no engine malfunction.

What happened

The aircraft touched down in the middle of the runway and bounced several times before the pilot applied power for a go-around. Witnesses observed that the flaps were fully extended throughout the transition and the landing gear was retracted only after passing the first set of power lines. The aircraft lifted off approximately 300 feet from the end of the runway but began to descend at about 100 feet above ground level, striking a utility pole followed by trees.

The investigation

The pilot reported that the engine did not appear to produce full power during the climb phase. However, post-accident inspection of the engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions. The pilot attributed the long landing to turbulence encountered over the trees during the approach.

Findings

Contributing factors included the bounced landing, the decision to continue the go-around with full flaps extended, and the subsequent loss of altitude below safe clearance height. The turbulence during the final approach contributed to the initial touchdown position.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the go-around, which resulted in a descent into obstacles, while attempting to recover from a bounced landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1984-07-02 Piper PA-24-180 accident near Osage Beach, MO?

An aircraft bounced on the runway during landing, attempted a go-around with full flaps, but descended at 100 feet and struck a utility pole and trees. Post-accident inspection found no engine malfunction.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1984-07-02 involved a Piper PA-24-180, registration N5019P, operated by Midwest Pilots,inc., at Osage Beach, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the go-around, which resulted in a descent into obstacles, while attempting to recover from a bounced landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X40406. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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