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Aircraft Crashes After Ballooned Landing and Go-Around During Student Pilot Practice (N6151W)

Hutchinson, MN, US

On September 25, 1988, a Piper PA-28 (registration N6151W) operated by James H. Hamilton was involved in an aviation accident near Hutchinson, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE STUDENT RATED PILOT TO USE PROPER CONTROL INPUTS AND PROCEDURES TO REGAIN AND MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE WHILE EXECUTING A GO-AROUND FROM A BOUNCED LANDING. THE PILOTS LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE IS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR IN THE CAUSE. 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

A student pilot practicing landings experienced a bounced landing and go-around, after which the aircraft veered left, struck a tree, and crashed. No pre-impact mechanical issues were found.

Accident Overview

A student pilot was observed practicing landings at an airport. According to a witness, the wind shifted to a crosswind, and the student changed from runway 15 to runway 33. After completing two unremarkable touch-and-go landings, the pilot initiated a third approach.

Witness Accounts

A pilot witness reported that during the flare, the aircraft ballooned and subsequently bounced after touching down long on the runway. The student applied power for a go-around, but after liftoff, the aircraft continued in an arc to the left.

Accident Sequence

The left wing of the aircraft struck a tree approximately 200 feet left of the runway. Following the wing strike, the aircraft descended in a left-wing-low attitude and crashed.

Investigation Findings

No preimpact part failure or malfunction was found during the investigation.

Loss of control in flight

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Piper PA-28 Cherokee accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Sept 1988 Piper PA-28 accident near Hutchinson, MN?

A student pilot practicing landings experienced a bounced landing and go-around, after which the aircraft veered left, struck a tree, and crashed. No pre-impact mechanical issues were found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Sept 1988 involved a Piper PA-28, registration N6151W, operated by James H. Hamilton, at Hutchinson, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE STUDENT RATED PILOT TO USE PROPER CONTROL INPUTS AND PROCEDURES TO REGAIN AND MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE WHILE EXECUTING A GO-AROUND FROM A BOUNCED LANDING. THE PILOTS LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE IS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR IN THE CAUSE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X26786. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.