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Landing Bounce Leads to Gear Collapse and Runway Excursion (N14189)

Edgartown, MA, US

On October 19, 1991, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N14189) operated by Professional Pensions Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Edgartown, MA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER RECOVERY FROM A BOUNCED LANDING BY THE PILOT. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE IMPROPER USE OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS AND THROTTLES. 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

During a full flap landing, the airplane began bouncing. The pilot added some power but did not initiate a full go-around. The bouncing continued until the right main landing gear collapsed and the airplane departed the runway.

Incident Overview

The pilot conducted a landing with full flaps deployed. Upon touchdown, the airplane started bouncing. The pilot applied additional power, but not to the extent required for a go-around. The bouncing persisted, and the right main landing gear subsequently collapsed. The airplane veered off the right side of the runway.

Sequence of Events

According to the investigation, the pilot set full flaps for landing. After initial contact with the runway, the airplane began to bounce. The pilot responded by adding power; however, the power increase was insufficient to achieve a go-around. The bouncing continued until the right main landing gear failed, causing the airplane to depart the runway to the right.

Pilot Statement

When interviewed, the pilot explained that he was cautious about applying full power with full flaps. He was concerned that doing so could lead to an uncontrollable pitch-up followed by a stall.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Oct 1991 Piper PA-23-250 accident near Edgartown, MA?

During a full flap landing, the airplane began bouncing. The pilot added some power but did not initiate a full go-around. The bouncing continued until the right main landing gear collapsed and the airplane departed the runway.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 Oct 1991 Piper PA-23-250 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Oct 1991 involved a Piper PA-23-250, registration N14189, operated by Professional Pensions Inc., at Edgartown, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

IMPROPER RECOVERY FROM A BOUNCED LANDING BY THE PILOT. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE IMPROPER USE OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS AND THROTTLES.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18376. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.