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NTSB Report
May 28, 2026 · Piper PA-28-180 · N55739
Chesapeake, VA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 28, 2026
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Chesapeake, VA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-180 (1973)
Tail Number
N55739
Operator
Kepfer Robert
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA26LA220
The pilot stated that he made an unstable approach, after which the airplane landed hard and bounced. A gust of wind caught the airplane’s right wing during the bounce and the airplane veered off the left side of the runway. The left wing collided with a runway marker light and a directional sign, which resulted in substantial damage to the wing spar and punctured the fuel tank. The pilot was able to get the airplane back on the runway and aborted the landing. Once airborne, he smelled fuel, declared an emergency and landed without further incident. The pilot reported there were no mechanical issues that contributed to the accident and that he should have gone around versus trying to force a landing.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot’s improper decision to continue with an unstabilized approach, which resulted in a hard landing, loss of directional control, and collision with a runway marker light and sign.
Full Narrative
The pilot stated that he made an unstable approach, after which the airplane landed hard and bounced. A gust of wind caught the airplane’s right wing during the bounce and the airplane veered off the left side of the runway. The left wing collided with a runway marker light and a directional sign, which resulted in substantial damage to the wing spar and punctured the fuel tank. The pilot was able to get the airplane back on the runway and aborted the landing. Once airborne, he smelled fuel, declared an emergency and landed without further incident. The pilot reported there were no mechanical issues that contributed to the accident and that he should have gone around versus trying to force a landing.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 EDT
Nearest AirportHampton Roads Exec (1nm N)
Runway10/2
Runway Length5350 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-180
Tail NumberN55739
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorKepfer Robert
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 68 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter29.90 inHg
Observation Time14:00
Weather SourceWFAC