Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper flare and inadequate recovery from a bounced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot stated that during landing on Runway 28R he lost control of the airplane after touchdown. The tower controller reported that, after touchdown, the airplane bounced a couple of times before the airplane exited the left side of the runway. During the excursion, the left main landing gear leg broke off and the left horizontal stabilizer sustained substantial damage. According to the airfield's automated weather report, winds at the time of the accident were estimated to be from 250 degrees at 10 knots. There was no report of a mechanical failure or malfunction with the airplane at the time of the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
The student pilot stated that during landing on runway 28R, he lost control of the airplane after touchdown. The tower controller reported that after touchdown, the airplane bounced a couple of times before the airplane exited the left side of the runway. During the excursion, the left main landing gear leg broke off and the left horizontal stabilizer sustained substantial damage. According to the airfield's automated weather report, winds at the time of the accident were estimated to be from 250 degrees at 10 knots. There was no report of a mechanical failure or malfunction with the airplane at the time of the accident.