Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing flare, inadequate recovery from a bounced landing and failure to maintain directional control.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he started his flare on landing and realized he was too high. He stated that he increased the throttle slightly, but the airplane still touched down hard and bounced. At this point he added full power to initiate a go around but the airplane did not climb. The airplane veered off the runway into the grass where the landing gear collapsed. There was substantial damage to the right wing, and damage to the landing gear and flaps. The density altitude at the time of the accident was 7,100 feet. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR11CA314 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 4, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Spanish Fork, Utah
- Nearest airport
- Spanish Fork Airport (U77)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28R-201
- N-number
- N47869
- 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.