On 2 Aug 2014, a PIPER PA 28-140 operated by Thomad E. Mau was involved in an aviation accident near Beach, ND. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to initiate a go-around sooner, and his failure to maintain directional control. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A student pilot on approach to runway 12 encountered a crosswind, leading to a ballooned landing and abort attempt that resulted in the airplane striking a large hay bale, causing substantial damage.
Accident Details
A student pilot was on final approach for landing on runway 12 at 20U when a crosswind from the northeast was encountered. The pilot corrected for the crosswind and proceeded to land. During the landing, the airplane ballooned, touched down, and then pulled to the right. In response, the student pilot applied full power in an attempt to abort the landing. The airplane subsequently departed the right side of the runway, became airborne, and struck a large hay bale.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage. The firewall was buckled, both wing leading edges were crushed, the nose landing gear was sheared off, and there was some damage to the empennage. No other information regarding injuries or additional circumstances was provided.
Contributing factors
Causes
Student/instructed pilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained