Were there any fatalities in the 27 Aug 2014 BERTAGNA JOHN JUST HIGHLANDER NO SERIES accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

Practice Landing Bounce Leads to Stall and Post-Crash Fire

Q: What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Aug 2014 involved a BERTAGNA JOHN JUST HIGHLANDER NO SERIES, operated by BERTAGNA JOHN, at Birdsboro, PA.

On 27 Aug 2014, a BERTAGNA JOHN JUST HIGHLANDER NO SERIES operated by BERTAGNA JOHN was involved in an aviation accident near Birdsboro, PA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper landing flare and recovery from a bounced landing resulting in loss of aircraft control. This summary draws on records from NTSB.

During a practice landing, the pilot reported a bounce, added power for a go-around, but the airplane stalled and impacted the runway, resulting in a post-crash fire that destroyed the airplane. No mechanical anomalies were reported.

Introduction

A pilot reported an accident during a practice landing. The flight began with a normal taxi to the active runway and a normal takeoff. After takeoff, the pilot turned downwind to set up for a practice landing.

Flight Sequence

The takeoff was uneventful. The pilot then maneuvered the airplane downwind, presumably to configure for landing. The landing flare was initiated, but during this phase, the airplane bounced on the runway.

Accident

In response to the bounce, the pilot added power in an attempt to execute a go-around. However, the airplane stalled and subsequently impacted the runway. A post-crash fire ensued, which destroyed the airplane.

Pilot Report

The pilot did not report any mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation prior to the accident. The cause of the bounce and subsequent stall was not specified in the pilot's account.

27 Aug 2014: BERTAGNA JOHN JUST HIGHLANDER NO SERIES — BERTAGNA JOHN — Birdsboro, PA