Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot’s improper flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and subsequent loss of directional control.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot reported that after a successful first landing, he attempted a second landing but initiated a go-around due to the airplane being high on final approach. On the second attempt, he noted that the wind velocity had increased. During the landing, the airplane bounced and was pushed to the left. Despite corrective inputs, the airplane veered off the runway, impacted a guardrail, and a postimpact fire ensued. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
On October 27, 2024, at 1130 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-140, N926MK, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Fairmont, West Virginia. The student pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The pilot reported that he departed with light winds and completed a series of maneuvers before successfully landing. During the next takeoff and landing, the pilot attempted a landing but initiated a go-around due to the airplane being high on final approach. On the second landing attempt, the pilot noted that the "winds picked up." During this landing, the airplane bounced, was "pushed" to the left, and despite corrective inputs the airplane veered off the runway, impacted a guardrail, and a postimpact fire ensued. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. A FAA inspector responded to the accident site, examined the wreckage, and confirmed substantial damage to the airplane’s left wing.