On November 17, 2000, a Piper PA-20 (registration N2186A) was involved in an aviation accident near Ontario, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's improper landing technique, which resulted in a bounced landing and subsequent loss of control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot experienced a bounced landing on runway 32, prompting the instructor to take control. Despite corrective inputs, the tail-wheel aircraft nosed over, causing substantial damage.
What happened
The incident occurred during a landing operation involving a tail-wheel equipped airplane. The student pilot was initially handling the controls as the aircraft approached runway 32. Upon touchdown, the airplane bounced back into the air rather than settling firmly on the pavement. Recognizing the unstable situation, the first pilot took control of the airplane in an attempt to salvage the landing.
The aircraft touched down a second time and bounced again. The first pilot applied corrective actions to stabilize the aircraft; however, these inputs were insufficient to prevent the nose from dropping. The airplane nosed over, coming to rest on its nose. The event resulted in substantial damage to the wings and empennage. No mechanical anomalies or failures with the aircraft were reported prior to the accident.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage revealed substantial damage to the wings and empennage consistent with a nose-over impact. There were no indications of pre-impact mechanical failure or anomaly that would have contributed to the loss of control.
Probable cause
The student pilot's improper landing technique, which resulted in a bounced landing and subsequent loss of control.