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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 2026-09-03Data 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

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Aug 2012 PIPER PA-22 accident near Napa, CA?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Aug 2012 PIPER PA-22 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Aug 2012 involved a PIPER PA-22, operated by Brian Harkins, at Napa, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and subsequent loss of directional control during the landing roll.

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