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Casualties unknown

Hard Landing and Subsequent Crash at Bullfrog Airport (N9084W)

Bullfrog, UT, US

On August 12, 1989, a Piper PA-28-235 (registration N9084W) was involved in an aviation accident near Bullfrog, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER FLARE BY THE PILOT, HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN RUNWAY ALIGNMENT, AND THE IMPROPER REMEDIAL ACTION WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL. THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE AND OBJECTS (RUNWAY LIGHT AND SMUDGE POT) WERE CONSIDERED TO BE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

After an uneventful VFR flight from Salt Lake City, an aircraft landed hard at Bullfrog, bounced, departed the left side of the runway, struck a runway light and smudge pot, then crashed in a left wing low attitude and burned.

Accident Sequence

The pilot obtained a weather briefing and filed a VFR flight plan from Salt Lake City to Bullfrog, Utah. Weather conditions were reported as VFR. The flight proceeded without incident until landing at Bullfrog.

Witnesses observed the aircraft touchdown hard. The aircraft then bounced and departed the left side of the runway. Subsequently, it struck a runway light and a smudge pot. Witnesses saw the aircraft lift off and enter a steep left bank. The aircraft then crashed in a left wing low attitude and began burning.

Wreckage and Fire

The aircraft was demolished by impact and fire. No further details on injuries or occupant status are available.

Airport Conditions

At the time of the accident, the density altitude at the airport was approximately 6,500 feet. No other airport conditions or ATC involvement were reported.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Aug 1989 Piper PA-28-235 accident near Bullfrog, UT?

After an uneventful VFR flight from Salt Lake City, an aircraft landed hard at Bullfrog, bounced, departed the left side of the runway, struck a runway light and smudge pot, then crashed in a left wing low attitude and burned.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Aug 1989 involved a Piper PA-28-235, registration N9084W, at Bullfrog, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

IMPROPER FLARE BY THE PILOT, HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN RUNWAY ALIGNMENT, AND THE IMPROPER REMEDIAL ACTION WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL. THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE AND OBJECTS (RUNWAY LIGHT AND SMUDGE POT) WERE CONSIDERED TO BE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29091. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.