On August 20, 2003, a Globe GC-1B (registration N80978) was involved in an aviation accident near Cottonwood, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing, and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. Factors contributing to the accident were the updraft, the terrain drop-off, and the fence. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing flare, an updraft caused a hard touchdown and bounce. The go-around with carburetor heat on and flaps down resulted in the airplane mushing down, collapsing the left main gear, and exiting the runway into a fence.
Accident Overview
While flaring to land, an updraft caused the airplane to rise and then touchdown on the main landing gear somewhat hard. After the aircraft bounced, the pilot initiated a go-around with the carburetor heat on and the flaps in the down position.
Sequence of Events
Full power was added, but the plane mushed and came back down, resulting in the left main landing gear collapsing. The aircraft then exited the left side of the runway and continued down a slight incline before impacting a fence and coming to rest in an adjoining pasture.
Aircraft Configuration
During the go-around, the carburetor heat was engaged and the flaps remained extended. After adding full power, the airplane failed to climb and settled back onto the runway.