Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing and runway excursion. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor stated that the airplane landed hard, bounced, and the pilot receiving instruction initiated a go-around at a high pitch attitude. The airplane yawed left and settled to the runway. The airplane subsequently veered off the runway into a grass field, resulting in substantial damage to the left aileron. The flight instructor further stated that becoming slow, and the inadequate application of the rudder could have been contributing factors. Both pilots stated that there were no preaccident failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA066 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 8, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Byron, California
- Nearest airport
- Byron Airport (C83)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Mooney M20E
- N-number
- N9338V
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1969
- 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.