Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing flare.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, he completed a left base turn to final for landing on Runway 17. He reduced power, "attempted to flare," and the airplane landed "very" hard. He stated that the airplane "appeared to be porpoising" and bounced hard two more times before it slid to a halt. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane. He concluded, "My best guess is that my speed was too high and I was trying to land by instinct rather than watching the airspeed." The pilot reported that the winds were from 180 degrees at 4 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for NYC08CA316 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 20, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Carrabassett, Maine
- Nearest airport
- Sugarloaf Regional Airport (B21)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dusk
Piper PA28-140
- N-number
- N2318T
- 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.