On March 15, 1995, a Cessna 140 (registration N3605V) operated by Hemsley, Ted R. was involved in an aviation accident near Ogden, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper execution of a go-around following a bounced landing, which resulted in the collapse of the right main landing gear and subsequent damage to the right wing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a solo flight in a tailwheel-equipped aircraft, the pilot experienced a long touchdown and subsequent bounces on final approach. The pilot attempted a go-around but the aircraft settled hard again, causing the right main landing gear to collapse and damaging the wing.
What happened
The pilot was conducting his first solo flight in a tailwheel-equipped airplane after receiving checkout training. On final approach, the aircraft was positioned slightly high above the glide path. The touchdown occurred further down the runway than intended. Upon contact with the pavement, the airplane bounced twice. Each bounce caused the aircraft to drift into the left crosswind.
The pilot applied additional power to initiate a go-around maneuver. However, the aircraft settled back onto the runway for a third time. During this third impact, the right main landing gear collapsed. The airplane skidded along the surface until it came to a complete stop. This sequence of events resulted in damage to the right wing.
The investigation
The pilot reported that the initial touchdown was long down the runway. The aircraft bounced twice before the go-around attempt. The right main landing gear collapsed during the third contact with the ground. The right wing sustained damage from the skidding motion after the gear failure.
Probable cause
The pilot's improper execution of a go-around following a bounced landing, which resulted in the collapse of the right main landing gear and subsequent damage to the right wing.