Probable cause
The student pilot's improper landing flare which resulted in a bounced landing, loss of airplane control and subsequent collision with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The solo student pilot reported that, during landing, the airplane touched down on the main landing gear and bounced twice. He initiated a go-around, but the airplane did not have enough airspeed. The airplane drifted to the left and the left wing contacted the ground. The airplane slid off the side of the runway and collided with terrain. Both wings were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR21LA148 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 27, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Alturas, California
- Nearest airport
- Alturas Muni (KAAT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Mooney M20J
- N-number
- N9146Q
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1996
- 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.