On April 17, 2015, a PIPER PA 28-180 180 operated by NOVAK JAMES F was involved in an aviation accident near DEER LODGE, MT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate recovery from a bounced landing, resulting in a loss of control and collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During landing flare, the pilot encountered porpoising, believed a crosswind existed, aborted the landing, and the airplane impacted a ditch, resulting in separation of the right landing gear and nose wheel, and substantial firewall damage.
Accident Overview
The pilot of the airplane reported that during the landing flare, the aircraft began to porpoise. On the second porpoise, the pilot perceived what he believed to be a crosswind condition. In response, he added full power to abort the landing.
Impact and Damage
Subsequently, the airplane impacted a ditch. The collision resulted in the separation of the right landing gear and the nose wheel from the airframe. Additionally, the firewall sustained substantial damage.
Mechanical Condition
The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 17 Apr 2015 PIPER PA 28-180 180 accident near DEER LODGE, MT?
During landing flare, the pilot encountered porpoising, believed a crosswind existed, aborted the landing, and the airplane impacted a ditch, resulting in separation of the right landing gear and nose wheel, and substantial firewall damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 17 Apr 2015 PIPER PA 28-180 180 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Apr 2015 involved a PIPER PA 28-180 180, operated by NOVAK JAMES F, at DEER LODGE, MT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inadequate recovery from a bounced landing, resulting in a loss of control and collision with terrain.