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Substantial Damage During Go-Around; No Injuries (N240ND)

Grand Forks, ND, US

On September 5, 2001, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N240ND) was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Forks, ND. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's improper flare, and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which resulted in a loss of directional control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a go-around, the airplane sustained substantial damage after hitting runway lights and terrain. The instructor and student were uninjured. No mechanical malfunction was reported.

Accident Details

During an attempted go-around, the airplane sustained substantial damage upon impact with terrain and objects. The instructor and dual student pilot were not injured.

Pilot Accounts

The instructor pilot reported adding full power for the go-around, and noted that the aircraft pitch was high. In attempting to maintain control, the instructor stated that control was lost, causing the left wheel to strike runway lights, followed by touchdown and impact with the right aileron. The airplane came to a full stop between taxiways C-1 and C-2, with damage to the nose wheel, propeller, and aileron. The instructor reported no mechanical malfunction or failure.

The student pilot stated that during approach, they flared too much while landing, causing the airplane to balloon upward.

Environmental Conditions

The wind was reported as 180 degrees at 16 knots.

Safety Recommendation

The instructor offered a safety recommendation to initiate the go-around procedure sooner.

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Sept 2001 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Grand Forks, ND?

During a go-around, the airplane sustained substantial damage after hitting runway lights and terrain. The instructor and student were uninjured. No mechanical malfunction was reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Sept 2001 Piper PA-28-161 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Sept 2001 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N240ND, at Grand Forks, ND.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's improper flare, and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which resulted in a loss of directional control.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010907X01890. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.