On July 10, 1989, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N2545A) operated by Greenwood Flight Center was involved in an aviation accident near Indianapolis, IN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER RECOVERY FROM A BOUNCED LANDING AND FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL BY THE PILOT. THE STUDENT PILOT'S LACK OF FLIGHT EXPERIENCE CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot on a solo flight attempted a touch-and-go landing, flared high, and bounced. After multiple power changes, the pilot lost directional control when the left wheel touched down at full power, resulting in a runway excursion and collision with a fence post.
Accident Summary
A student pilot on a solo flight was performing a touch-and-go landing. During the landing attempt, the aircraft flared high and bounced. The pilot tried to recover from the bounced landing by adding and then reducing power. After observing that the aircraft was going to bounce again, the pilot made two additional power applications and reductions. When the left wheel touched down on the runway while the engine was at full power, the pilot lost directional control to the left. The aircraft then departed the runway and struck a fence post with the right wing.
Pilot Information
The student pilot had accumulated six hours of solo flight time at the time of the accident.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 10 Jul 1989 Piper PA-38-112 accident near Indianapolis, IN?
A student pilot on a solo flight attempted a touch-and-go landing, flared high, and bounced. After multiple power changes, the pilot lost directional control when the left wheel touched down at full power, resulting in a runway excursion and collision with a fence post.
Were there any fatalities in the 10 Jul 1989 Piper PA-38-112 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 10 Jul 1989 involved a Piper PA-38-112, registration N2545A, operated by Greenwood Flight Center, at Indianapolis, IN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
IMPROPER RECOVERY FROM A BOUNCED LANDING AND FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL BY THE PILOT. THE STUDENT PILOT'S LACK OF FLIGHT EXPERIENCE CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT.
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