Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate recovery from a bounced landing, resulting in a loss of control and collision with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during the landing flare he began to porpoise, on the second porpoise he encountered what he believed was a crosswind. He added full power to abort the landing, and subsequently the airplane impacted a ditch, which resulted in the right landing gear and nose wheel being separated from the airplane and substantial damage to the firewall.
The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA050 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 17, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Deer Lodge, Montana
- Nearest airport
- Deer Lodge-City-County (38S)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 28-180
- N-number
- N7374W
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1963
- 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.