Santa Paula, CA, USA
N1237H
Piper PA-28-140
The pilot entered the downwind leg of the traffic pattern to the destination runway. While on approach, the pilot noted the airplane was excessively high, moving at a faster-than-normal airspeed. He attributed the unstabalized approach to be the result of a short downwind leg. The airplane landed hard and bounced. It subsequently veered off the runway surface and collided with a fence, coming to rest on a dirt berm. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine.
In a written report, the pilot stated that while en route, he noticed his GPS was inoperative and decided to divert to a nearby airport. As he approached the vicinity of the airport, he noted that other traffic was utilizing runway 22, and accordingly entered the traffic pattern on the downwind leg. While on the approach, the pilot could discern that the airplane was excessively high and at a faster-than-normal airspeed, which he believed was a result of his decision to make a short downwind leg. The airplane landed hard and bounced twice, veering off the runway surface. It continued forward and collided with a fence, coming to rest upright on a dirt berm. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including the damage to a wing that would require a major repair.
The pilot's unstabilized approach, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing. Also causal was the pilot's inadequate recovery from the bounced landing and his failure to maintain directional control.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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