On May 30, 1987, a Piper PA-34-200T (registration N8231D) was involved in an aviation accident near Plymouth, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed and altitude during the final phase of flight, which resulted in a hard landing and porpoising touchdown after being distracted by a passenger's report of a potential wildlife hazard. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot continued a landing after a passenger reported seeing a deer, resulting in a hard porpoising touchdown due to high flare and delayed power reduction.
What happened
The aircraft was established on final approach for landing. Approximately 200 feet from the end of the runway, the right front seat passenger informed the pilot that she believed she had spotted a deer in the vicinity. Concerned about a potential hazard, the pilot initially added power to execute a possible go-around. However, after scanning the area and not observing any deer, the pilot decided to continue with the landing.
The pilot then retarded the throttle and attempted to flare the aircraft for touchdown. The flare was executed at an altitude that was somewhat high relative to the optimal profile. Consequently, the aircraft impacted the runway surface with significant force. Upon touchdown, the main landing gear bounced, causing the aircraft to porpoise as it settled back onto the pavement.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed and altitude during the final phase of flight, which resulted in a hard landing and porpoising touchdown after being distracted by a passenger's report of a potential wildlife hazard.