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Student Pilot's First Solo Results in Runway Excursion After Bounced Landing (N523PU)

W. Lafayette, IN, US

On September 17, 1994, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N523PU) was involved in an aviation accident near W. Lafayette, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER LEVEL-OFF AND RECOVERY FROM A BOUNCED LANDING. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF TRAINING FOR RECOVERY FROM BOUNCED LANDINGS AND/OR ABORTED TAKEOFFS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

During a student's first solo flight, a bounced landing led to a go-around attempt; the airplane departed the runway, struck a hill, briefly became airborne, and the right wing hit the ground. The flight instructor had not provided training on recovery from bounced landings or aborted takeoffs.

Incident Sequence

The student pilot, on their first solo flight, attempted a landing. According to the student, the airplane floated during the approach and then "hit kind of hard and bounce a little." In response, the student applied full power to initiate a go-around. However, the airplane veered off the side of the runway. It subsequently collided with a small hill, causing it to become airborne momentarily. The airplane then skidded sideways through the air, and the right wing struck the ground.

Instructor's Account

During an interview, the flight instructor stated that she had not instructed the student in recovery techniques for bounced landings or aborted/rejected takeoffs.

Regulatory Review

A review of the student's logbook, the school's curriculum, and applicable Federal Aviation Regulations revealed no specific requirement for instruction in recovery from bounced landings or aborted takeoffs.

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Sept 1994 Piper PA-28-161 accident near W. Lafayette, IN?

During a student's first solo flight, a bounced landing led to a go-around attempt; the airplane departed the runway, struck a hill, briefly became airborne, and the right wing hit the ground. The flight instructor had not provided training on recovery from bounced landings or aborted takeoffs.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Sept 1994 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N523PU, at W. Lafayette, IN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER LEVEL-OFF AND RECOVERY FROM A BOUNCED LANDING. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF TRAINING FOR RECOVERY FROM BOUNCED LANDINGS AND/OR ABORTED TAKEOFFS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02218. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.