On June 28, 2013, a PIPER PA-28-161 operated by Pan Am Ab Initio Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Okeechobee, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during a go-around. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a solo cross-country flight, the pilot executed a hard landing, bounced, then attempted a go-around. The airplane failed to climb, veered left, departed the runway, struck a palm tree, and flipped over, causing substantial wing damage.
Accident Sequence
The pilot was completing a solo cross-country flight and prepared for landing by selecting full flaps and reducing engine power to near idle. Upon touchdown, the airplane contacted the runway hard and subsequently bounced. The pilot then decided to abort the landing and initiated a go-around. During the go-around, the pilot retracted one notch of flaps and applied full engine power. Despite these inputs, the airplane did not climb. While airborne, the airplane turned left, exited the runway surface, continued through a fence, and ultimately struck a palm tree. The impact caused the airplane to flip over before it came to rest. The wings sustained substantial damage.
Post-Accident Remarks
The pilot reported that no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies occurred that would have prevented normal operation. The accident sequence indicates that the go-around was unsuccessful after the hard landing and bounce, leading to the runway excursion and collision with the palm tree.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 28 Jun 2013 PIPER PA-28-161 accident near Okeechobee, FL?
During a solo cross-country flight, the pilot executed a hard landing, bounced, then attempted a go-around. The airplane failed to climb, veered left, departed the runway, struck a palm tree, and flipped over, causing substantial wing damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 28 Jun 2013 PIPER PA-28-161 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Jun 2013 involved a PIPER PA-28-161, operated by Pan Am Ab Initio Inc., at Okeechobee, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during a go-around.