Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Bouncing and Left Turn During Touch-and-Go at Okeechobee County Airport (N9284H)

Okeechobee, FL, US

On July 24, 2002, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N9284H) was involved in an aviation accident near Okeechobee, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll following a short field approach and landing, resulting in the on-ground collision with a fence. 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

A pilot reported experiencing a small bouncing and a left turn during a touch-and-go landing at Okeechobee County Airport, resulting in the airplane departing the runway and colliding with fence poles.

Accident Details

A pilot performing a touch-and-go landing at Okeechobee County Airport reported that after applying power for the maneuver, he felt a "small bouncing" and the airplane "turned quickly to the left." He reduced the throttle to idle and applied opposite rudder, but the airplane departed the runway and rolled onto grass. While on the grass, he applied the brakes "slowly" and attempted to recover, but the left wing then the right wing collided with fence poles. The airplane came to rest upright.

Pilot's Account

The pilot stated that after takeoff, the flight proceeded to Okeechobee County Airport where he performed a short field approach and landing to runway 22. After completing the landing, he applied power for a touch-and-go. Shortly after, he noticed the bouncing and the sudden left turn. His actions to reduce power and apply opposite rudder were unsuccessful in keeping the airplane on the runway.

Witness Reports

Several pilots in the traffic pattern at the time of the accident reported that there was a light headwind from the right.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Jul 2002 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Okeechobee, FL?

A pilot reported experiencing a small bouncing and a left turn during a touch-and-go landing at Okeechobee County Airport, resulting in the airplane departing the runway and colliding with fence poles.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Jul 2002 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N9284H, at Okeechobee, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll following a short field approach and landing, resulting in the on-ground collision with a fence.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020731X01259. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.