Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Runway Edge Light During Go-Around After Ballooning and Bouncing Landing (N2185B)

Traverse City, MI, US

On July 27, 1986, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N2185B) was involved in an aviation accident near Traverse City, MI. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During landing flare, excessive speed caused ballooning and two bounces. The aircraft veered left, prompting a go-around. During the go-around, the left wing struck a runway edge identifier light, damaging the wing. The aircraft made an uneventful emergency landing.

Incident Overview

While flaring to land, the aircraft experienced excessive speed and ballooned. It then bounced twice before beginning to veer to the left. In response, the pilot initiated a go-around.

Wing Strike

During the initial portion of the go-around, the left wing struck a runway edge identifier light. The light tore a hole in the bottom of the wing and damaged at least one wing rib.

Continuation and Landing

Despite the damage, the aircraft continued flying. The pilot subsequently made an uneventful emergency landing.

Damage

The runway edge identifier light caused a hole in the bottom of the left wing and damaged at least one wing rib.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Jul 1986 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Traverse City, MI?

During landing flare, excessive speed caused ballooning and two bounces. The aircraft veered left, prompting a go-around. During the go-around, the left wing struck a runway edge identifier light, damaging the wing. The aircraft made an uneventful emergency landing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Jul 1986 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N2185B, at Traverse City, MI.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X34130. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.