Casualties unknown

1990-09-05: Beech A23A (N2334W) — Newaygo, MI

Newaygo, MI, US

On September 5, 1990, a Beech A23A (registration N2334W) was involved in an aviation accident near Newaygo, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE STUDENT PILOT'S IMPROPER LEVEL-OFF AND RECOVERY FROM A BOUNCED LANDING WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL. IN ADDITION, AN UNQUALIFIED PERSON WAS COACHING THE STUDENT FROM THE GROUND. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A solo student pilot bounced on touchdown, applied full throttle, and pitched up abruptly. The airplane climbed briefly, then entered a steep left bank and descended to ground collision. The pilot's husband was coaching from the runway.

Sequence of Events

The accident sequence began when a solo student pilot bounced the airplane upon touchdown. In response, the student pilot applied full throttle and pitched up abruptly. Witnesses reported that the airplane climbed to about 10 feet above the ground, then the pitch was reduced to a steep climb attitude, and the airplane rolled to the left. At approximately 50 feet above ground level, with a left bank of 70 to 90 degrees, the airplane commenced a descent that resulted in a collision with the ground.

Witness Observations

Multiple witnesses provided accounts of the event. They described the airplane's climb to 10 feet, followed by a reduction in pitch to a steep climb attitude and a subsequent left roll. The airplane then descended from about 50 feet with a pronounced left bank angle between 70 and 90 degrees, impacting the ground.

Coaching Activity

The student pilot's husband, who is a private pilot and the owner of the airplane, was coaching his wife from the side of the runway using a hand-held radio. He was present on the ground, providing instruction during the landing attempt.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24218. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.