Aircraft impact with airport terminal building during aborted landing

Casualties unknown • Norman, OK, US

A commercial pilot experienced a bounced landing and subsequent loss of control, leading to an impact with an airport terminal roof.

What happened

While operating on Runway 03, the tower controller cleared a commercial pilot with 1,118 hours of flight time to land, reporting variable winds from 090 to 130 degrees at 8 knots. The pilot acknowledged the clearance, stating, "cleared to land if I can get down there."

During the landing sequence, the aircraft experienced a hard bounced landing approximately 2,248 feet along the 4,747-foot runway. This maneuver resulted in a right propeller strike. In the process of attempting an aborted landing, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, which subsequently impacted the roof of the airport terminal building. The pilot was not injured.

The investigation

An examination of the wreckage determined that the landing gear was in the full-extended position and the flaps were set to 25 degrees. Investigators established continuity to all flight controls. No discrepancies were found regarding the engines or propellers, and no pre-impact anomalies were identified within the airframe.

Probable cause

The pilot lost control of the aircraft during an attempted aborted landing following a hard bounced landing and propeller strike.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-07-06 Piper PA-34-220T accident near Norman, OK?

A commercial pilot experienced a bounced landing and subsequent loss of control, leading to an impact with an airport terminal roof.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-07-06 involved a Piper PA-34-220T, registration N902J, at Norman, OK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot lost control of the aircraft during an attempted aborted landing following a hard bounced landing and propeller strike.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050712X00990. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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