Aircraft excursion during landing attempt

Casualties unknown • Philadelphia, PA, US

An aircraft veered off the runway and came to rest in a grassy area following a bounced landing and an aborted go-around.

What happened

During an approach to runway 06, the pilot reported that the aircraft was high and fast. The pilot did not perform a flare, resulting in the aircraft touching down nose gear first and bouncing. Following this initial contact, the pilot applied power to attempt a go-around but subsequently aborted the maneuver.

Upon the second touchdown, the aircraft veered off the left side of the runway. It traveled through 380 feet of dirt before coming to rest in a grassy area. At the time of the accident, weather conditions consisted of clear skies with winds from 060 degrees at 5 knots.

The investigation

The inspection of the aircraft revealed that both main landing gear had collapsed to the right, and the nose landing gear was bent to the right. Damage to the left wing included wrinkles in the upper surface of the skin, as well as damage to the aileron and flap. Additionally, all propeller blades sustained damage to the tips.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to flare during the initial approach led to a nose-first touchdown and a bounce, followed by an aborted go-around that resulted in the aircraft veering off the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-03-08 Piper P46T accident near Philadelphia, PA?

An aircraft veered off the runway and came to rest in a grassy area following a bounced landing and an aborted go-around.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-03-08 involved a Piper P46T, registration N117NU, at Philadelphia, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to flare during the initial approach led to a nose-first touchdown and a bounce, followed by an aborted go-around that resulted in the aircraft veering off the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020318X00355. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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