Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's (1) improper recovery from a bounced landing and (2) failure to maintain directional control during an aborted landing. A factor is the pilot's improper landing flare.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On Sunday, July 24, 1994, at 2053 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-34-200T, N40996, registered to Thomas L. Bradley, and piloted by Gregory T. Fossum, was destroyed at the Flying "W" Airport, Lumberton, New Jersey. The pilot was seriously injured; one passenger received minor injuries; and a second passenger was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an IFR flight plan was filed. The flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
The airplane departed Milwaukee, Wisconsin, destined for New Jersey. Upon arrival, the pilot was provided vectors to the airport. When the runway was in sight, he conducted a visual, circling approach to runway 01. In his report, he stated, "[I] circled to 01 at...100 mph. [I] attempted a landing [and] bounced three times. [I applied] full throttle and attempted a go-around. [The] plane veered to the left into trees."
Mr. Robert V. Drapala, a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector, stated in his report, "Pilot lost control of aircraft when applying full power while recovering from last bounce for an attempted go-around. Aircraft banked steeply to left and impacted trees."
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC94LA136