Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Abrupt Descent and Nose-Over During Landing on Runway 17 (N1449T)

Marco Island, FL, US

On May 2, 2000, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N1449T) operated by Denis Doyle was involved in an aviation accident near Marco Island, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper flare and inadequate recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a nose over. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that during landing on runway 17, the airplane descended abruptly, bounced twice, struck the propeller, and nosed over. No mechanical malfunctions were reported.

Accident Overview

A pilot reported an unusual landing event on runway 17. According to the pilot's account, the approach was normal until the airplane was over the runway numbers. At that point, the airplane suddenly descended and struck the runway.

Sequence of Events

The pilot stated that the airplane made an abrupt descent after crossing the numbers, resulting in a collision with the runway surface. The airplane then bounced twice. During the second bounce, the propeller made contact with the runway, causing the airplane to nose over. The final position of the airplane was inverted.

Pilot Report

The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions or component failures. The pilot's description indicates that the airplane's behavior was unexpected and not attributed to any known system issues. The pilot provided no further details regarding possible contributing factors.

Investigation Status

The accident remains under investigation. No additional information has been released about the aircraft type, registration, or operational context. The pilot's account is the primary source of information for this event.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 May 2000 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Marco Island, FL?

A pilot reported that during landing on runway 17, the airplane descended abruptly, bounced twice, struck the propeller, and nosed over. No mechanical malfunctions were reported.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 May 2000 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N1449T, operated by Denis Doyle, at Marco Island, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper flare and inadequate recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a nose over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20943. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.