Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Bounces During Landing, Strikes Fence During Go-Around (N947MG)

Bridger, MT, US

On February 15, 1998, a Piper PA-11 (registration N947MG) operated by TY L. Schwend was involved in an aviation accident near Bridger, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a bounced landing recovery. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During a landing attempt, a student pilot bounced, initiated a go-around, but the airplane stalled and struck a barbed wire fence, resulting in a 180-degree rotation and a rubble pile landing.

Incident Overview

A student pilot was conducting a landing when the airplane bounced. Deciding to abort the landing and try again, the pilot pushed the carburetor heat in and applied full throttle. However, the airplane "didn't want to fly," according to the pilot. The left wing then began to stall, causing the airplane to enter a left turn. The pilot corrected, but the right wing subsequently stalled, and the airplane veered to the right.

Sequence of Events

The pilot reported that after veering to the right, the airplane bounced across the runway. Before the pilot could correct the situation, the leading edge of the right wing struck the top strand of a barbed wire fence. The impact caused the airplane to rotate 180 degrees, after which it came to rest in a rubble pile. Winds at the time were calm.

Pilot Actions

The student pilot explained the decision to go around after the bounce and described the control inputs made. The specific aircraft type, registration, and other details were not provided in the source. No information regarding occupants, injuries, or damage beyond the fence strike was stated.

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.