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Landing Incident Involving High and Fast Approach Results in Runway Excursion (N117NU)

Philadelphia, PA, US

On March 8, 2002, a Piper P46T (registration N117NU) was involved in an aviation accident near Philadelphia, PA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing. A factor was the pilot's failure to flare during initial touchdown. 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 being high and fast during landing on runway 06. The aircraft touched down nose gear first, bounced, and after a brief go-around attempt, veered off the runway, causing landing gear collapse and wing damage.

Incident Summary

The aircraft was landing on runway 06. The pilot reported being high and fast during the approach. The airplane did not flare, and touched down nose gear first, resulting in a bounce.

Sequence of Events

After the bounce, the pilot added power to initiate a go-around, but subsequently aborted the go-around. The airplane then touched down again, veered off the left side of the runway, traveled through approximately 380 feet of dirt, and came to rest in a grassy area.

Aircraft Damage

Both main landing gear had collapsed to the right, and the nose landing gear was bent to the right. The left wing exhibited wrinkles in the upper surface of the skin, as well as damage to the flap and aileron. All propeller blades sustained damage to their tips.

Weather Conditions

Weather reported around the time of the accident included winds from 060 degrees at 5 knots, with clear skies.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Mar 2002 Piper P46T accident near Philadelphia, PA?

A pilot reported being high and fast during landing on runway 06. The aircraft touched down nose gear first, bounced, and after a brief go-around attempt, veered off the runway, causing landing gear collapse and wing damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Mar 2002 Piper P46T accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Mar 2002 involved a Piper P46T, registration N117NU, at Philadelphia, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing. A factor was the pilot's failure to flare during initial touchdown.

More accident analyses

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.