NTSB Factual Report

On September 5, 2001, about 0915 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-161, N240ND, piloted by a certified flight instructor and student pilot, sustained substantial damage on impact with terrain and objects during an attempted go around from runway 17L (3,900 feet by 75 feet, dry/concrete) at Grand Forks International Airport (GFK), near Grand Forks, North Dakota. The instructional flight was operated under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. No flight plan was on file. The instructor and dual student pilot sustained no injuries. The local flight departed from GFK at 0800 and was attempting a go around at the time of the accident.

The instructor pilot reported:

On third approach we were high. On short final added 40 [degrees]

flaps airspeed was approximately 70-65 kts. Once over the #s

student pulled throttle to idle. Started to flare and aircraft [ballooned].

I added some power but that didn't settle aircraft. Add all power for

go-around. Aircraft pitch was high ... . On trying to

maintain control I lossed control causing left wheel to take out runway

lights and touchdown and somehow hit right [ailerons]. Came to full

stop between taxiways C-1 [and] C-2. [Wrecking] nose wheel, propeller,

[and] [aileron].

The instructor reported no mechanical malfunction or failure.

At 0913, the GFK weather was: Wind 180 degrees at 16 knots; visibility 10 statute miles; sky condition broken 12,000 feet; temperature 22 degrees C; dew point 17 degrees C; altimeter 29.78 inches of mercury.

The student pilot stated, "We approached the runway and as we came down I flared to land[.] I flared too much and we balloned up."

The instructor's safety recommendation stated, "Initiate go around procedure sooner."

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's improper flare, and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which resulted in a loss of directional control.