This September 2007 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Piper Seneca.
Location: Wilmington, Del.
Injuries: None.
Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot was attempting to land in a gusting headwind. The airplane touched down, rolled for several yards, then ballooned back up. It touched down a second time, landing hard enough to break the windshield. The airplane bounced again before the pilot was able to bring it to a stop.
Probable cause: The pilot’s improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing. The gusting winds were a factor.
