No fatalities

Pilot Overruns Turf Runway After Bounced Landing

Coolin, ID, United States

On August 15, 2012, a PIPER PA-24-260 operated by AVIATION WEST INSURANCE BROKERS LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Coolin, ID. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to attain a touchdown point sufficient to stop the airplane within the length of the runway. 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

During final approach, the pilot stayed high to clear trees bracketing the runway. After a bounced landing on a turf runway and heavy braking, the airplane overran the end, struck a ditch, and sustained substantial left wing damage.

Approach and Landing

The pilot reported that on final approach, trees on both sides of the runway's approach end caused concern, prompting him to maintain a higher altitude to clear them. The airplane touched down onto the turf runway but then bounced back into the air. It touched down a second time, after which the pilot applied brakes.

Overrun and Damage

Realizing that the runway length remaining was insufficient, the pilot applied heavy braking. The airplane began to slide and, despite the pilot's control inputs, overran the end of the runway. It subsequently impacted a ditch, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing.

Pilot's Report

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operations.

Contributing factors

Causes

Descent/approach/glide path — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Aug 2012 PIPER PA-24-260 accident near Coolin, ID?

During final approach, the pilot stayed high to clear trees bracketing the runway. After a bounced landing on a turf runway and heavy braking, the airplane overran the end, struck a ditch, and sustained substantial left wing damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Aug 2012 PIPER PA-24-260 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Aug 2012 involved a PIPER PA-24-260, operated by AVIATION WEST INSURANCE BROKERS LLC, at Coolin, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s failure to attain a touchdown point sufficient to stop the airplane within the length of the runway.