Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during the aborted landing, which resulted in a collision with a taxiway light.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was attempting to land when the airplane bounced after touchdown and turned into the wind like a weathervane. The pilot aborted the landing, but as the airplane began to climb, it struck a taxiway light. The pilot thought he struck the left landing gear and contacted the control tower who confirmed that all three-landing gear appeared down and locked. The pilot was able to return to the airport and land without incident. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed the left horizontal stabilizer was substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA23LA389 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 3, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Nearest airport
- Martin State (MTN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bellanca 17-30A
- N-number
- N74TR
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.