NTSB Factual Report

On March 30, 2003, approximately 1315 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-28-140, N4961T, registered to a private owner and operated by a student pilot as a 14 CFR Part 91 solo instructional flight, veered off the side of the runway at Portland-Troutdale Airport, Troutdale, Oregon. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The aircraft was substantially damaged and the student pilot was not injured.

In a written statement, the student pilot reported that after returning from the practice area, he was going to do a couple of touch-and-go landings. The first landing was without incident. The second approach, the aircraft was left of centerline and the student performed a go-around. The student pilot stated that during the third approach, "landed and the next thing I remember is looking at the ground from the cockpit."

The student's flight instructor, who was watching the flight, reported that this was the student's second solo flight. The instructor stated that the student accomplished one successful landing on runway 25. During the second landing attempt, the student initiated a go-around. The instructor stated that during the third attempt, the aircraft touched down and "bounced a little" then settled when he heard power being applied. The aircraft then veered to the left. The right wing contacted the runway surface and the aircraft continued off the side of the runway. The nose gear sheared off and the airplane nosed down.

Inspection of the aircraft by a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector from the Hillsboro, Oregon, Flight Standards District Office, reported that the lower right section of the firewall was wrinkled around the engine mount, the right wing tip was damaged and the nose gear was sheared off.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft control was not maintained during the landing roll. An improper flare which resulted in a bounced landing was a factor.