No fatalities

PIPER PA-18-150 accident at Delta, CO, 28 Sept 2024

Delta, CO, United States

On September 28, 2024, a PIPER PA-18-150 operated by COLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY was involved in an aviation accident near Delta, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s loss of aircraft control during a bounced landing and go-around, during which the right main landing gear struck a large rock, which damaged it such that it collapsed during the following landing, which caused the airplane to impact the ground… This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of aircraft control during a bounced landing and go-around, during which the right main landing gear struck a large rock, which damaged it such that it collapsed during the following landing, which caused the airplane to impact the ground resulting in substantial damage to the left wing.

— NTSB Determination

Contributing factors

Pilot

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Sept 2024 PIPER PA-18-150 accident near Delta, CO?

The pilot’s loss of aircraft control during a bounced landing and go-around, during which the right main landing gear struck a large rock, which damaged it such that it collapsed during the following landing, which caused the airplane to impact the ground resulting in substantial damage to the left wing.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Sept 2024 PIPER PA-18-150 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Sept 2024 involved a PIPER PA-18-150, operated by COLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY, at Delta, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s loss of aircraft control during a bounced landing and go-around, during which the right main landing gear struck a large rock, which damaged it such that it collapsed during the following landing, which caused the airplane to impact the ground resulting in substantial damage to the left wing.