Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate recovery from a bounced landing, resulting in a loss of control and collision with terrain.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported that during the landing flare he began to porpoise, on the second porpoise he encountered what he believed was a crosswind. He added full power to abort the landing, and subsequently the airplane impacted a ditch, which resulted in the right landing gear and nose wheel being separated from the airplane and substantial damage to the firewall.

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

Contributing factors

cause Pilot
cause Performance/control parameters — Not attained/maintained

Conditions

Weather: VMC, wind 000/05kt, vis 10sm

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17 Apr 2015: PIPER PA 28-180 180 — NOVAK JAMES F