On 19 Oct 2019, a Piper PA28 161 operated by PENN FLIGHT SCHOOL LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Quakertown, PA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing, and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a drainage culvert. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A student pilot on a solo training flight experienced a hard landing and bounce during flare, causing the aircraft to veer left, exit the runway, and stop in a drainage culvert, resulting in substantial damage.
Accident Overview
A student pilot was conducting a solo training flight in the traffic pattern when the accident occurred. During the landing flare, the airplane touched down hard and bounced approximately 20 feet to the left of the runway centerline. The aircraft then exited the left side of the runway and entered a drainage culvert before coming to a stop.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that the wind was light and variable with no gusts present at the time of the accident.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mount. No other damage details were provided.
Investigation
No further information regarding the investigation or probable cause has been released by the authorities.
Contributing factors
Student/instructed pilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintainedLanding flare — Not attained/maintainedEffect on operation