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Pilot Reports Bounce, Runway Excursion into Sand Dune (N9234Z)

Hatteras, NC, US

On June 21, 2003, a Piper PA-28-236 (registration N9234Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Hatteras, NC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. A factor was a go-around not performed. 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 touching down fast and high beyond the halfway point of a 3000-ft runway, then bouncing and veering left into a sand dune, causing wing and fuselage damage.

Event Description

According to the pilot, upon arriving at the destination airport, he established a final approach to land on runway 7. The pilot described the approach as fast and high, and the airplane touched down beyond the halfway point on the 3000-foot-long runway. The pilot said after the airplane bounced at touchdown, it veered 55 feet off the left side of the runway and collided with a sand dune.

Aircraft Damage

Examination of the airplane revealed left and right wing damage and fuselage damage in the area of the left wing root. The broken nose wheel was also torn from the airframe.

Mechanical Report

The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.

Pilot Comments

The pilot stated that this accident could have been prevented if he had executed a go-around before the airplane touched down on the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Jun 2003 Piper PA-28-236 accident near Hatteras, NC?

A pilot reported touching down fast and high beyond the halfway point of a 3000-ft runway, then bouncing and veering left into a sand dune, causing wing and fuselage damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Jun 2003 Piper PA-28-236 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Jun 2003 involved a Piper PA-28-236, registration N9234Z, at Hatteras, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. A factor was a go-around not performed.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030623X00928. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.