Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary FTW96LA165

BELLVILLE, TX, USA

Aircraft #1

N6882P

Piper PA-24-250

Analysis

During a previous attempted landing, the pilot executed a go-around due to a high approach/landing airspeed. During the second landing, the aircraft touched down about halfway down the 2,480-foot runway with no flaps extended and overran the runway. The pilot reported that during his second approach, he landed 'to fast, but thought [he] had adequate stopping distance.' He 'cut power, applied full brakes, [and] skidded off [the] south end of [the] runway into a fence.' The aircraft came to a stop off the departure end of the runway down a 5-foot embankment.

Factual Information

On April 7, 1996, at 1700 central daylight time, a Piper PA-24-250, N6882P, registered to and operated by a private owner as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, was substantially damaged during landing at Grawunder Airport, Bellville, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The private pilot and two passengers were not injured, and one passenger sustained minor injuries. The flight originated from Houston, Texas, about 30 minutes before the accident. The pilot reported to the FAA inspector that, during his first attempted landing to runway 15, he did a go-around due to being too fast. During the second attempted landing, the aircraft touched down about halfway down the 2,480 foot runway with no flaps extended. The pilot further reported that he was unable to stop the aircraft prior to overrunning the runway. The pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Report that, during his second approach, he landed "to fast, but thought [he] had adequate stopping distance." The pilot "cut power, applied full brakes, [and] skidded off [the] south end of [the] runway into a fence." Examination of the accident site by the FAA inspector revealed three tire marks leading to the point where the aircraft departed the runway. The aircraft came to a stop off the right end of the runway down a five foot embankment. Examination of the airplane revealed all three landing gear were folded under, the left wing spar was fractured, and the lower portion of the firewall and left horizontal stabilizer were damaged.

Probable Cause and Findings

the pilot's excessive approach/landing airspeed and his failure to perform a go-around.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

Get all the details on your iPhone or iPad with:

Aviation Accidents App

In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports