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NTSB Report

June 29, 1996 · Piper PA-28-161 · N8119H

Bridgeport, CT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 29, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Bridgeport, CT
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-161
Tail Number
N8119H
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC96LA133

The student pilot had done 4 touch-and-go landings with an instructor aboard. The instructor deplaned, and the student conducted his first solo flight; he resumed doing touch-and-go landings. The student reported: 'After the first touch-and go-landing, I departed for left closed traffic for my second touch-and-go. While reporting mid-field, downwind as instructed during take-off clearance, I was informed that I was number 2 in sequence to follow traffic on right base for runway 11, and to extend my downwind leg, which I proceeded to do. Final glide path was established, aircraft was trimmed, everything looked good. Final approach was made with the engine at idle. Airspeed was bleeding off, and over the numbers was reading about 65 knots, a little high, but did not seem to be a problem. Everything looked good for the touch and go on the touchdown zone. When I touched down the aircraft ballooned. I flared and the plane ballooned again. I felt the plane was down; however, it ballooned again, and on the third attempt to land, the aircraft touched down on the nose wheel. The nose wheel tire blew, causing the propeller to strike the runway. At no time did I feel that the plane was out of control. I was able to maintain directional control and was able to clear the runway at (the taxiway). I brought the aircraft to a stop, secured it using shut-down check-list procedures.' The student reported no mechanical malfunction.

NTSB Probable Cause

the student pilot's improper flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a hard landing.

Full Narrative

On June 29, 1996, about 0955 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-161, N8119H, was substantially damaged during landing at Sikorsky Memorial Airport, Bridgeport, Connecticut. The solo student pilot was not injured. The local flight was operated as a instructional flight under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The student had done 4 touch and go landings with an instructor aboard. The instructor deplaned, and the student conducted solo flight, doing touch-and-go landings. He was on his second touch-and-go landing when the accident occurred. The student reported: "After the first touch and go landing, I departed for left closed traffic for my second touch-and-go. While reporting mid-field, downwind as instructed during take-off clearance, I was informed that I was number 2 in sequence to follow traffic on right base for runway 11, and to extend my downwind leg, which I proceeded to do. Final glide path was established, aircraft was trimmed, everything looked good. Final approach was made with the engine at idle. Airspeed was bleeding off, and over the numbers was reading about 65 knots, a little high, but did not seem to be a problem. Everything looked good for the touch and go on the touchdown zone. "When I touched down the aircraft ballooned. I reflared and the plane ballooned again. I felt the plane was down; however, it ballooned again, and on the third attempt to land, the aircraft touched down on the nose wheel. The nose wheel tire blew, causing the propeller to strike the runway. At no time did I feel that the plane was out of control. I was able to maintain directional control and was able to clear the runway at (the taxiway). I brought the aircraft to a stop, secured it using shut-down check-list procedures." The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction. He stated the accident could have been prevented by executing a go-around or "added power to balked landing and reflared."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:55 EDT
Nearest AirportIgor Sikorsky Memorial (0nm)
Runway11
Runway Length4761 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-161
Tail NumberN8119H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D3G · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 59 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 57
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time13:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data