Probable cause
The student pilot’s improper flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and subsequent loss of directional control.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot reported that after a successful first landing, he attempted a second landing but initiated a go-around due to the airplane being high on final approach. On the second attempt, he noted that the wind velocity had increased. During the landing, the airplane bounced and was pushed to the left. Despite corrective inputs, the airplane veered off the runway, impacted a guardrail, and a postimpact fire ensued. 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 ERA25LA025 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 27, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fairmont, West Virginia
- Nearest airport
- Fairmont Municipal Airport-Fra (4G7)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA28
- N-number
- N926MK
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1971
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.