No fatalities

Hard Landing and Go-Around Result in Substantial Damage to Tail Wheel Airplane

Frankfort, MI, United States

On August 3, 2014, a GREAT LAKES 2T 1A 2 2 operated by Private Individual was involved in an aviation accident near Frankfort, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing in gusty, crosswind conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot lack of recent tail wheel landing experience. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 17 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot performing a go-around after a hard landing and bounce lost directional control, causing the left wing to strike terrain, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot reported lack of recent tail wheel experience.

Accident Details

During a landing attempt on runway 33, the pilot of a tail wheel airplane encountered wind from 230 degrees at 9 knots, gusting to 15 knots. As the airplane flared, it landed hard and bounced. The nose of the airplane then yawed approximately 30 degrees from the runway heading. In response, the pilot applied full power to execute a go-around. During the go-around, the left wing dropped and collided with terrain.

Damage and Pilot Report

The accident resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that he had no recent experience operating his tail wheel airplane. Additionally, the pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane prior to the accident.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotIncorrect use/operation

Other contributing factors

Ability to respond/compensate

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Aug 2014 GREAT LAKES 2T 1A 2 2 accident near Frankfort, MI?

A pilot performing a go-around after a hard landing and bounce lost directional control, causing the left wing to strike terrain, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot reported lack of recent tail wheel experience.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 Aug 2014 GREAT LAKES 2T 1A 2 2 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Aug 2014 involved a GREAT LAKES 2T 1A 2 2, operated by Private Individual, at Frankfort, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing in gusty, crosswind conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot lack of recent tail wheel landing experience.