Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Bounced Landing and Obstacle Strike During Go-Around (N2664A)

Gold King, AK, US

On August 31, 1991, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N2664A) operated by Bruce V. Zmuda was involved in an aviation accident near Gold King, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A PROPER DESCENT RATE. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE RISING TERRAIN AND THE TAILWIND CONDITION. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During a landing approach, the airplane bounced three times. A go-around was attempted but the tail struck brush and the left wing hit a tree before the pilot aborted.

Sequence of Events

The pilot reported that during final approach, the airplane exhibited a higher than desired sink rate. Power was applied, but the airplane bounced three times. On the third bounce, the pilot added full power and attempted a go-around into rising terrain. The tail of the airplane struck brush, and then the left wing struck a tree. The pilot subsequently aborted the go-around.

Wind Information

Prior to the approach, another airplane on the ground reported the wind as from the north at 8 knots. After landing, the pilot noticed that the wind was from the south.

Terrain and Go-Around

The landing was being conducted to the north into rising terrain. During the go-around, the airplane's angle of climb was equal to the angle of the rising terrain, preventing a successful climb-out.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17759. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.