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Tailwheel Airplane Veers Off Runway After Bounce During Landing

Napa, CA, United States

On August 12, 2012, a PIPER PA-22 operated by Brian Harkins was involved in an aviation accident near Napa, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and subsequent loss of directional control during the landing roll. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A tailwheel-equipped airplane veered off the runway after bouncing on touchdown in a slight crab, causing substantial left-wing damage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures.

Incident Overview During a landing, a tailwheel-equipped airplane experienced a bounce on touchdown while the pilot was maintaining a slight crab. The aircraft subsequently lost directional control and veered off the runway. The incident resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures occurred that would have precluded normal operation of the aircraft. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, date, operator, location, or the exact cause of the loss of directional control beyond the bounce and veer.

Contributing factors

Incorrect use/operationDirectional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Related events

Same aircraft family

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