On September 9, 2007, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N1237H) was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Paula, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's unstabilized approach, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing. Also causal was the pilot's inadequate recovery from the bounced landing and his failure to maintain directional control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During an approach, the pilot noted excessive altitude and speed attributed to a short downwind leg. The airplane landed hard, bounced, veered off the runway, hit a fence, and came to rest on a dirt berm. No mechanical issues were reported.
Event Description
While on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern to the destination runway, the pilot observed that the airplane was excessively high and moving at a faster-than-normal airspeed. The pilot attributed this unstabilized approach to the short duration of the downwind leg.
Landing and Runway Excursion
The airplane subsequently landed hard, resulting in a bounce. After the bounce, the aircraft veered off the runway surface and collided with a fence. It came to rest on a dirt berm.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 9 Sept 2007 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Santa Paula, CA?
During an approach, the pilot noted excessive altitude and speed attributed to a short downwind leg. The airplane landed hard, bounced, veered off the runway, hit a fence, and came to rest on a dirt berm. No mechanical issues were reported.
Were there any fatalities in the 9 Sept 2007 Piper PA-28-140 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Sept 2007 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N1237H, at Santa Paula, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's unstabilized approach, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing. Also causal was the pilot's inadequate recovery from the bounced landing and his failure to maintain directional control.
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