Casualties unknown

1997-06-17: Piper PA-38-112 (N2455F) — Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis, MN, US

On June 17, 1997, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N2455F) was involved in an aviation accident near Minneapolis, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the student pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing and failure to maintain proper runway alignment during a go-around (aborted landing). 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 student pilot reported a bounced landing led to a go-around attempt, during which the airplane turned off the runway, struck a wire between two buildings, hit two fences, and came to rest in trees.

Incident Overview

A student pilot was landing when the airplane bounced. To avoid continued bounces, he decided to execute a go-around. Upon adding power, the airplane turned and departed the runway. The pilot attempted to regain airspeed with full power but stated that he did not have sufficient altitude to clear buildings on the northwest side of the airport. He flew the airplane between two structures, where it apparently caught a wire drawn between them. The airplane then pitched down, struck two fences, and came to rest in a group of trees.

Post-Accident Examination

An examination of the wreckage revealed no mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Pilot Account

The student pilot provided the following account: "I decided to go-around. When I added power, the plane turned, heading off the runway. I tried to regain airspeed with full power." He further stated that he flew between two buildings, where the airplane caught a wire, leading to the subsequent impact with fences and trees.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08082. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.