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Landing Bounce and Go-Around Leads to Gear Collapse and Runway Excursion (N80978)

Cottonwood, ID, US

On August 20, 2003, a Globe GC-1B (registration N80978) was involved in an aviation accident near Cottonwood, ID. No fatalities were reported. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Aug 2003 Globe GC-1B accident near Cottonwood, ID?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Aug 2003 Globe GC-1B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Aug 2003 involved a Globe GC-1B, registration N80978, at Cottonwood, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030903X01446. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.