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Bounced Landing Leads to Ground Loop and Substantial Damage (N64796)

Watkins, CO, US

On August 13, 2002, a Boeing D75N1 (registration N64796) was involved in an aviation accident near Watkins, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing, resulting in an inadvertent ground loop. A contributing factor was the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the pilot. 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

During a landing on runway 17, the airplane bounced, then swerved and ground looped, resulting in substantial damage to wings and landing gear.

Event Sequence

The instructor reported that the aircraft entered the traffic pattern on the downwind leg for runway 17, which is 8,000 feet long and 100 feet wide with a dry asphalt surface. During touchdown, the aircraft made contact with the runway "slightly tail high" and bounced approximately 6 inches. During the bounce, the student allowed the airplane to turn right while banking left. Upon the second touchdown, the airplane swerved sharply to the right and began a ground loop. The application of full left rudder and braking failed to stop the turn. The airplane then departed the right side of the runway, dragging the lower left wingtip. It subsequently turned left, dragging the lower right wing, rose onto the nose, and came to rest supported by the propeller dome and the main landing gear.

Postaccident Examination

After the accident, an examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the lower left wing spar, the right lower wing, and the upper right wing tip. The left main landing gear also sustained extensive damage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Aug 2002 Boeing D75N1 accident near Watkins, CO?

During a landing on runway 17, the airplane bounced, then swerved and ground looped, resulting in substantial damage to wings and landing gear.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Aug 2002 Boeing D75N1 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Aug 2002 involved a Boeing D75N1, registration N64796, at Watkins, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing, resulting in an inadvertent ground loop. A contributing factor was the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the pilot.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020816X01405. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.