Student pilot involved in runway excursion after engine performance issues

Casualties unknown • Bridger, MT, US

A student pilot attempted a go-around following a bounced landing, resulting in a wing strike on a barbed wire fence and subsequent aircraft excursion.

What happened

During an approach to land, the student pilot experienced a bounce on the runway and subsequently decided to execute a go-around procedure. As part of this maneuver, the pilot engaged the carburetor heat and applied full throttle. However, the aircraft failed to maintain flight characteristics effectively.

The pilot reported that the left wing entered a stall, causing the aircraft to bank into a left turn. Upon attempting to correct the deviation, the right wing subsequently stalled, causing the aircraft to veer toward the right side of the runway. During the excursion, the aircraft bounced across the runway surface. Before the pilot could regain control, the leading edge of the right wing struck the top strand of a barbed wire fence. The impact with the wire caused the aircraft to rotate 180 degrees, eventually coming to rest in a pile of rubble. At the time of the accident, weather conditions were reported as calm.

The pilot was not injured during the event.

Probable cause

The pilot's attempt to execute a go-around following a bounced landing led to an uncontrolled wing stall and subsequent collision with a fence.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-02-15 Piper PA-11 accident near Bridger, MT?

A student pilot attempted a go-around following a bounced landing, resulting in a wing strike on a barbed wire fence and subsequent aircraft excursion.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-02-15 involved a Piper PA-11, registration N947MG, operated by TY L. Schwend, at Bridger, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's attempt to execute a go-around following a bounced landing led to an uncontrolled wing stall and subsequent collision with a fence.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09612. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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